By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review
A Wausau man whose girlfriend died in an apparent overdose was arraigned this week on an array of charges in connection with her death.
Andrew C. Washburn, 34, is one of at least two people who have been charged in connection with the May 12 fatal overdose. Police say the woman, who is not named in court documents, was found dead in an Adams Street apartment about two feet from Washburn, who had also ingested the drugs.
Responding officers performed CPR but discontinued lifesaving measures after about five minutes, when paramedics determined the woman was dead. The woman and Washburn were living temporarily in the apartment with a family member, who called police when she heard moaning noises from the bathroom.
Police say Washburn and the woman had been dating for several months. Toxicology reports showed methamphetamine, fentanyl, clonazepam and other substances were in the woman’s system at the time of her death, which was ruled a mixed drug toxicity overdose.
In interviews, Washburn allegedly admitted purchasing the drugs and identified another suspect, Matthew Gesicki, in the exchange. Wasbhurn reported to police that Gesicki told him to be careful because he was putting fentanyl “in everything,” according to court records.
Washburn, who was out on bond connected to a case in which he was accused of violating a restraining order, is facing multiple criminal charges. Following the investigation, prosecutors on Aug. 10 charged Washburn with first-degree reckless homicide, delivery of fentanyl, delivery of methamphetamine and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. The reckless homicide charge alone carries a maximum 40-year prison term upon conviction.
On Wednesday, Washburn entered a not guilty plea during an arraignment hearing in front of Circuit Judge LaMont Jacobson. A pretrial conference is set for March 13, though no trial date has been scheduled.
Gesicki faces charges filed May 31 of manufacturing or delivering amphetamine, manufacturing or delivering fentanyl, possession of amphetamine with intent to deliver, resisting or obstructing an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia. On May 31, Circuit Judge Scott Corbett set a $100,000 cash bond for Gesicki, who remains behind bars. Court records show a pretrial conference in the case set for April 4.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
