Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Malloy have announced the arrest
of 37-year-old Edwin V. Rodriguez of the Lawncrest section of Philadelphia, on charges related to trafficking heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and multiple types of pills, as well as other charges.

The investigation began following the overdose death of 36-year-old Patrick Cumiskey of Abington Township on April 13th, Abington Township Police and Second Alarmers Rescue Squad responded to Cumiskey’s residence at 5:31 p.m., but Cumiskey could not be revived and was pronounced dead.

An investigation by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau Narcotics Enforcement Team, Abington Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Narcotics Unit IDIS was launched, and it was determined through video surveillance and cell phone communications that Cumiskey had purchased illegal drugs from Rodriguez earlier that day as well as in the past.

Detectives conducted in-person surveillance on Rodriguez as well as used cell phone data to establish multiple drug transactions where Rodriguez sold drugs to individuals before and after Cuminsky’s death.

On April 21st, a search warrant was executed on Rodriguez’s residence and vehicle in Philadelphia and police discovered approximately 555 baggies of fentanyl/heroin, 120 vials of methamphetamine, 80 grams of crack cocaine, two pounds of marijuana and multiple pills. Also found were two firearms, ammunition, a variety of drug packaging materials and $7,994.

“In the last four years, we have investigated more than 450 overdose deaths, looking to connect the dealer who sold the drugs that caused someone’s death. In a number of these cases, we have charged the dealer with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, but in some cases, due to multiple drugs in the victim’s body, we were unable to sustain that charge,” said Steele. “However, Mr. Cumiskey’s death led us to a significant drug
trafficker, who is now facing multiple serious felonies and serious jail time.”

Rodriguez is charged with 12 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Use of a Communications Facility.

Photo: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office