Kenmore woman receives maximum sentence for selling fentanyl-laced cocaine resulting in fatal overdose

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced 36-year-old Ashley M. Holmes of Kenmore was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio. She received the maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, the defendant was arrested following an investigation into a fatal overdose that occurred on Linden Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant knowingly and unlawfully sold a quantity of fentanyl-laced cocaine to the victim, 47-year-old Robert R. Chimera, which resulted in his death. During the investigation, a quantity of fentanyl-laced cocaine was found in the defendant’s bedroom at her residence in the Village of Kenmore.

Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of criminally negligent homicide (class “E” felony), the highest sustainable homicide charge, in June 2024. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge in full satisfaction of the indictment.

“Far too many people in Erie County have died from an opioid overdose,” Keane said. “This case highlights the need for the passage of Chelsey’s Law. This defendant knowingly sold cocaine mixed with a deadly amount of fentanyl to her friend, which resulted in his tragic death. If this legislation had been in effect, 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 dealers who sell lethal drugs like fentanyl accountable for these deaths.”

Keane commends Det. Judy Walker and members of the Buffalo Police Department homicide squad and narcotics unit for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Justin T. Wallens of the narcotics/intelligence bureau.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, help is available through the Erie County 24-hour addiction hotline at 716-831-7007.