Chemist Pleads Guilty For Role In Woodbury Teen's Fatal Overdose
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The man who made a hallucinogenic drug that killed a 17-year-old Woodbury teen in January 2014 has pleaded guilty in connection to the case.
John Moltzen, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to sell.
On the morning of Jan. 11, 2014, Woodbury police responded to a report of an unresponsive female, later identified as Tara Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald's friend told police the two had taken 25i-NBOMe, a hallucinogenic drug like acid or LSD. Fitzgerald was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
Three teens and two adults were later charged in connection with her death.
Further investigation into her death led police to a drug operation in Hennepin County.
Through the investigation, police learned 42-year-old Dominic Beltrante was selling 25i-NBOMe out of his Minneapolis apartment.
A police informant was sent to purchase 300 doses of the drug from Beltrante. During the sale, Beltrante attempted to reach Moltzen but was unsuccessful. He then told the informant that a man named Jacob Granger, 38, would pick up the drugs from Moltzen then bring them to Beltrante where the informant could pick them up.
Through surveillance at Moltzen and Beltrante's houses, police were able to see Granger obtain the drugs and bring them to Beltrante.
Police then obtained warrants and searched both Beltrante and Moltzen's homes. Beltrante was growing marijuana and had several guns. Motlzen had chemicals and materials necessary for creating 25i-NBOMe, as well as 200 doses of it.
When interviewed by police Motlzen told them he has "always taken an interest in psychedelic culture."
Motlzen pleaded guilty on Monday. Charges were filed against Beltrante and Granger.
Moltzen will be sentenced on Nov. 18. He faces 93 months in prison.
