HAVERHILL — The Haverhill Police Department announced a significant development in the 2019 fatal overdose case of Sammantha Cruger on Feb. 23.
After years of investigative work, Albert Boutin III has been indicted by the Grafton County Grand Jury on felony charges of controlled drug sale and death resulting, as well as controlled drug sale of schedule 1-4 substances.
Boutin is scheduled to be arraigned at Grafton County Superior Court on March 17.
The investigation began on Dec. 11, 2019, when Haverhill officers responded to Pleasant View Park for an unattended death.
The victim, Sammantha Cruger of Haverhill, was determined to have died from combined drug toxicity of fentanyl and cocaine.
Through gathering evidence and conducting interviews, officers identified Boutin as the individual responsible for supplying the lethal drugs.
The case was notably impacted by the efforts of the late Detective Wayne Fortier, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served 48 years in law enforcement.
Fortier lost his life after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
After his passing, Detective Elizabeth Elliott, mentored by Fortier, continued the investigation.
Elliott’s work honors Fortier’s legacy and seeks justice for Cruger and her family.
The Haverhill Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to holding individuals accountable amidst the opioid epidemic and expressed gratitude to those involved in the case.
