Man Convicted in Relation to Drug Overdose Death at Maplehurst Correctional Complex

A Cambridge man has been convicted in relation to a drug overdose, which lead to the death of a Maplehurst Correctional Complex inmate in 2019. On June 30, 2022, Justice Calsavara of the Ontario Court of Justice found 33-year-old Michael Fournier guilty of Manslaughter and Trafficking in Fentanyl/Carfentanil. Fournier was an inmate of the Maplehurst Correctional Complex at the time of the offence(s). Fournier is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14, 2022.

The incident in 2019 and the preventable loss of life demonstrate the clear dangers of opioid use. The aforementioned conviction serves as a clear declaration that those who traffic in these illicit substances will be held responsible and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.

The number of suspected overdoses in our region, in the province, and across the country, continues to increase. Each of these overdoses is a preventable tragedy.

If you use drugs, or have a friend or family member who uses drugs, these tips may help save a life in the event of an overdose:

Know the signs

An overdose is a medical emergency. Know the signs of an overdose and call 9-1-1 right away:

• difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake

• blue lips or nails

• very small pupils

• cold and clammy skin

• dizziness and confusion

• extreme drowsiness

• choking, gurgling or snoring sounds

• slow, weak, or no breathing

• inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

Don't run. Call 9-1-1.

Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) frontline officers, and other first responders in Halton, carry naloxone and we want to assist. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides broad legal protections for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. This means citizens, including youth, will not be charged for offences such as simple possession for calling 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Carry naloxone

Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It is available free-of-charge in Halton at:

• Halton Region Harm Reduction Services (Exchange Works)

• Halton Region Sexual Health clinics

• Most pharmacies

Never use alone

Don't use drugs alone, and don't let those around you use alone either. If you are using with someone else, don't use at the same time. If an overdose occurs, having another person nearby can save your life.

If you must use alone, we encourage you to download the Brave App. The Brave App is designed to connect people at risk of overdose with help they need: an ally you can talk to, a human supporter to help you stay safe, and digital monitoring technology to help you when you’re in danger. The Brave App is not a substitute for calling 911.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Manslaughter Charge Laid Following Death of Inmate at Maplehurst Correctional Complex

One male has been charged following an investigation by the Halton Regional Police Service into the death of an inmate at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton earlier this year.

On May 7, 2019, the Halton Regional Police Service responded to the Maplehurst Correctional Complex for a report of six inmates who had apparently overdosed on illicit drugs.

Five of the six inmates were transported to hospital where they recovered. The sixth inmate did not survive. His death was later determined to be caused by the consumption of fentanyl and carfentanil.

As a result of a lengthy investigation conducted by Homicide detectives with the Halton Regional Police Service, with support from the Coroner, Forensic Pathology and the Centre of Forensic Sciences, a male inmate at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex has been arrested and charged for his role in this death.

Michael Fournier (30) of Cambridge is charged with Manslaughter, Criminal negligence causing death, and Trafficking of a Schedule I substance. Fournier appeared in Milton Court on November 5, 2019. His next appearance is scheduled via video for November 14, 2019 in Milton Court.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Homicide Tip Line at 905-825-4776. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

No additional details, including the name of the deceased, will be provided by the Halton Regional Police Service in relation to this investigation.