The Gwinnett County Police Department arrested two people Tuesday for allegedly selling fentanyl to a 16-year-old, later leading to her overdose and subsequent death.
According to Gwinnett County Police Officer Hideshi Valle, Drolvin Esau Calix-Rodriguez, 21, of Lawrenceville, and Elizabeth Faye Elliot, 19, of Norcross, were arrested for selling a counterfeit Percocet pill to the teenager.
"It was sold as a Percocet pill, which is still an illegal distribution," Valle said. "In actuality, it was not a Percocet. It was a fake, pressed pill that had fentanyl in it that gave the appearance of an actual Percocet."
Valle said police discovered the teen's body on Feb. 24.
Rodriguez was charged with two counts of sale of a schedule I or II controlled substance, violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to distribute, VGCSA possession of cocaine and possession of a stolen firearm during the commission of a crime.
Elliott was charged with the sale of a schedule I or II controlled substance.
"An essential part of keeping our community safe is the fight against selling, possessing, and distributing illegal drugs by arresting and charging anyone who knowingly commits illegal acts that threaten the safety of our residents," a release from the police department said. "In Georgia, an individual can be charged with murder if they cause the death of another by supplying the illegal drugs directly or indirectly to the victim, who then overdoses due to that purchase."
Georgia's 911 Medical Amnesty and Expanded Naloxone Access Law protects the victim and caller when requesting emergency services at the scene of a suspected drug overdose from being arrested, charged or prosecuted. Call 911 immediately if you or anyone you know is experiencing an overdose.
"A wide range of signs and symptoms can occur when a person overdoses and everyone responds differently," the release said. "Accidental overdosing caused by recreational, illegal, or illicit drugs is a life-threatening emergency."
