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Latest news and updates from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Guatemalan National Indicted for Narcotics Distribution

Investigation into Wilmer Castillo Garcia’s Alleged Drug Sales Was Launched After a Dozen Middle School Children Were Hospitalized from Ingesting THC Gummies  Under New York State Law, Garcia’s Charges are Not “Bail Eligible,” Meaning Prosecutors Cannot Ask for and the Court Cannot Set Bail, Despite the Fact that the Defendant is a Foreign National with Connections and the Ability to Flee the Jurisdiction to Evade Prosecution 

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Wilmer Castillo Garcia, 22, a Guatemalan National, was indicted for Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, and other related charges, after he allegedly sold narcotics to an undercover officer.  He was further charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in connection with a separate event where he allegedly provided THC gummies that caused the hospitalization of 12 William Floyd Middle School children in March.

“This is yet another example of how New York’s bail laws are broken,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We cannot even ask for reasonable security on a foreign national who allegedly provided THC Gummies that sickened middle schoolers to ensure he faces justice.”

According to the investigation, on May 5, 2025, and May 12, 2025, Castillo Garcia allegedly sold quantities of cocaine and marijuana to an undercover law enforcement officer.

The investigation into Castillo Garcia began after 12 students from William Floyd Middle School were brought to Peconic Bay Hospital on the same day after falling ill from consuming edible gummies containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is a compound found in cannabis that is known for causing a high or euphoric effect and is legal to possess in New York State.  Law enforcement allegedly traced the source of the gummies to an Instagram account “7k_teddy,” which led investigators to Castillo Garcia.

On August 14, 2025, Castillo Garcia was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft, Jr., for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Two counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and
  • One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Senft ordered Castillo Garcia released on his own recognizance during the pendency of this case because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail, despite the fact that the defendant is alleged to be a foreign national with connections and ability to flee our jurisdiction to evade prosecution.

Castillo Garcia is due back in court on September 2, 2025, and faces up to 9 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Matthew Touhy, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kendall Walsh of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Police Officer Jessica Anderson and Detective John McGlynn of the Suffolk County Police Department Narcotics Unit.

 

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
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