A Manchester man has been charged in connection with operating a counterfeit pill pressing scheme, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.
Jerry Summers, 44, of Manchester, was charged by complaint with one count of manufacturing a controlled substance, containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and trafficking in a drug and using a counterfeit drug mark on or in connection with such drug. The defendant’s next scheduled hearing is July 8, 2024.
According to the charging documents, after a multi-month federal and state investigation, on July 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Laboratory Team executed a federal search warrant of Summer’s Manchester office suite, rented under the name of “Summertime Drywall and Maintenance LLC.” During the search, DEA agents located a pill press that was covered in powdered residue and wrapped in soundproofing material, and large amounts of colored press tablets. A drug test revealed the presence of fentanyl and amphetamines on the residue found on and around the pill press.
On two prior occasions, Summers sold pills to a confidential informant. During the first sale, which occurred on March 21, 2024, Summers sold a quantity of blue pills that were marked as being OxyContin but later tested positive for fentanyl. During the second sale, on April 10, 2024, Summer sold a quantity of blue pills that were marked as being OxyContin but later tested positive for fentanyl as well as a quantity of orange pills that were marked as being Adderall but later tested positive for methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W.R. Ward is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
