OPP lay manslaughter charges in Picton, Ont. fentanyl death

Prince Edward County OPP have announced additional charges against three people previously arrested following an opioid-related death in Picton, Ont.

In early July, a 47-year-old woman named Leanne Champion died suddenly at a home on Mary Street in Picton.

A post-mortem was conducted and police say Champion died of a fentanyl overdose.

Between July 2 and 3, a number of search warrants were executed, and two Belleville residents, 40-year-old Lisa Bennett and 31-year-old Kody Aspeck, and a Quinte West resident, 36-year-old Krzysztof Wolf, were initially charged with drug trafficking.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

On Thursday, OPP announced further charges for all three.

Bennet and Aspect have been charged with manslaughter; conspiracy to commit an indictable offence; possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000; possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl; and possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.

Wolf has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and cocaine; and possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.

Bennet and Aspeck remain in custody while Wolf has since been released on a promise to appear to court at a later date.

Since 2016, OPP say they have investigated 22 occurrences related to fatal opioid overdoses where charges have been laid for manslaughter and/or criminal negligence causing death. Six of those incidents took place this year.

OPP are still investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-888-310-1122.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.