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Kenmore woman convicted of selling fentanyl-laced cocaine that resulted in death

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — A Kenmore woman has been sentenced to prison for selling cocaine laced with fentanyl, which led to the death of a 47-year-old man.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced that 36-year-old Ashley M. Holmes was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison in Erie County Court on Thursday.

Holmes was arrested on August 19, 2023, following an investigation into a fatal overdose on Linden Avenue in Buffalo. Prosecutors said Holmes knowingly and unlawfully sold fentanyl-laced cocaine to 47-year-old Robert R. Chimera, resulting in his death. During the investigation, a quantity of fentanyl-laced cocaine was found in Holmes' bedroom.

Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter in June.

“Far too many people in Erie County have died from opioid overdoses. This case underscores the need to pass Chelsey's Law. This defendant knowingly sold cocaine laced with a lethal amount of fentanyl to her boyfriend, resulting in his tragic death. Had this law been in place, we could have charged this defendant with manslaughter, and if convicted, she would have faced up to 15 years in prison. I will continue to urge our state legislators to pass Chelsey's Law, which will help New York State prosecutors hold drug traffickers who sell deadly drugs like fentanyl accountable for these deaths.”

– Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Below you will find resources:

ECDOH offers harm reduction materials and peer support. These resources can be found by calling (716) 858-7695.

According to ECDOH, other resources include:

  • Wear Narcanand know how and when to use it. Text (716) 225-5473 to have Narcan and fentanyl test strips mailed to you free of charge. Narcan is always available in the lobby of the Rath Building in Buffalo. MATTERS Network also has Narcan vending machines in western New York State.
  • Never use aloneTake Narcan and a friend who doesn’t use drugs with you, or contact a service like Never use alone.
  • Test your medication for fentanyl, even if you think it is cocaine or another non-opioid substance. Free test strips are available from the Erie County Health Department. Call (716) 858-7695.
  • Seek support. ECDOH has peer navigators and a family coordinator; call (716) 858-7695. The Buffalo & Erie County Addictions Hotline is available 24 hours a day and provides referrals to individuals and their families. Call (716) 831-7007.
  • Seek treatment. A local hospital emergency room can connect patients with immediate drug addiction treatment. Ask for MATTERS networka service that quickly refers people with opioid use disorder or people who use opioids to treatment, peer support, and medication. Patients can receive treatment within 24 hours in outpatient treatment facilities; call 800-622-4357 or visit a local emergency department. Virtual emergency department services for medication addiction treatment are also available.

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