A Natick man, convicted in a Boston Federal Court of pushing poison onto the streets, will now face the music for his role in the opioid crisis devastating Massachusetts. Rafael Ashworth, 29, was found guilty by a jury on charges of possession with intent to distribute a substance that included 40 grams or more of fentanyl and also, fentanyl trafficking. His arrest in November 2019 led to his conviction after a six-day jury trial that concluded yesterday.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy underscored the harrowing reality of the opioid epidemic during the proceedings, asserting, "The overwhelming overdose numbers associated with the opioid epidemic can blur the human devastation that is involved in every life cut short." While announcing the verdict, Levy continued, "This prosecution provided a vivid reminder of how deadly fentanyl is and the trail of broken hearts that are intertwined with overdose deaths." Police had stumbled upon a tragic scene in Ashworth's apartment, uncovering the body of a 24-year-old woman who died from an overdose, alongside a disturbing collection of illicit substances and drug-making paraphernalia. According to a statement from the Department of Justice, about 100 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, counterfeit Xanax pills laced with etizolam, and a large metal press were among the items seized.
The case highlights the scourge of fentanyl abuse that has sent overdose deaths soaring in the state. With a sentence pending for April 30, 2024, Ashworth faces a mandatory minimum of five years to up to 40 years in prison, reflecting the severity of the charges against him. DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle emphasized the commitment to pursuing those fueling the opioid crisis, proclaiming, "DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this poison. Illegal drug distribution ravages the foundations of our communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved."
Assisting in the successful prosecution was the collective effort of the Natick Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police, as well as the dedication of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Foley and Stephen Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit. The consequences for Ashworth's actions entail not only the potential decades behind bars but also at least four years of supervised release and a fine that could reach $5 million. The substance's lethal potential, and the damage wreaked by those like Ashworth choosing to profit from its distribution, can be seen in the shattered lives and communities left in its wake. A grim reminder, Ashworth's sentencing on April 30 will close yet another chapter in a battle that has yet to see its end.
