A Smithtown man, Daquan Booker, 34, was arrested for selling fentanyl-laced pills that led to the death of a 17-year-old Garden City teen, Grace Wrightington. Booker was initially released on bail in Nassau County after pleading not guilty, but a Suffolk County judge ordered him jailed for prior drug offenses. The Suffolk case stems from Booker’s alleged sale of fentanyl pills to undercover officers on July 11, 2023. Just a week prior, on July 4th, 2023, Wrightington died from a fentanyl overdose after taking pills purchased from Booker.
Garden City Police arrested Booker on charges related to Wrightington’s death while he was visiting an inmate at Suffolk’s Riverhead Correctional Facility. In Nassau County, Booker pleaded not guilty to felony drug charges, including third-degree criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance. He was released with electronic monitoring, a passport surrender, and a curfew.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly stated that Booker initially approached Wrightington as she walked home from high school, offering to sell her pills. He allegedly sold her pills containing fentanyl on at least two occasions. Wrightington died just four days after the last transaction. Twelve hours before her overdose, Wrightington recorded a video expressing panic and fear that she had taken fentanyl. Tests confirmed the pills contained the deadly drug.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said his office opposed Booker’s entry into the Judicial Diversion Program, designed for individuals whose crimes are linked to substance abuse. Booker had previously pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl to undercover officers in exchange for participation in the program. Suffolk Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas, who remanded Booker, had promised a two-year prison sentence if Booker failed to complete the program. Booker faces a maximum of nine years if convicted on the Nassau charges.
Donnelly urged the State Legislature to pass Chelsea’s Law, allowing prosecutors to charge drug dealers with manslaughter in overdose deaths. Booker’s next court appearances are scheduled for November 1st in Suffolk County and November 13th in Nassau County. This case highlights the urgent need for stricter penalties for drug dealers, especially those operating in areas like Nassau County, NY, accessible to vulnerable individuals seeking spa and wellness services. The proximity of this tragedy to locations where individuals seek relaxation and self-care underscores the insidious nature of the opioid crisis.