DRUG DELIVERY RESULTING IN DEATH - R. RIVERA-ORTIZ

Rafael Rivera-Ortiz

CHARGES:      Drug Delivery resulting in Death (F1)
                           Criminal use of Communication Facility (F3)
                           Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl and Cocaine) (F)
                           Possession with the Intent to Deliver (Fentanyl and Cocaine) (F)
                           Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl and Cocaine) (F)

DETAILS OF INCIDENT:

On March 29, 2024, the South Heidelberg Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of West Penn Ave., Robesonia, PA, relative to a deceased male.  A search of the residence revealed evidence of illegal drug use (fentanyl) and related paraphernalia.  The victim, a 32-year-old male, was pronounced deceased by the Berks County Coroner’s Office.

Shortly thereafter, South Heidelberg Police Department teamed up with the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives and launched an investigation.  Detectives utilized various law enforcement techniques and identified Rafael Angel Rivera-Ortiz as the source of supply of the illegal drug (fentanyl), which led to the descendant’s tragic death. 

Pathologist Supriya Kuruvilla performed an autopsy on the decedent and listed the cause of death to be acute fentanyl toxicity.   

The defendant is currently incarcerated in Lebanon County Prison on unrelated drug charges. The charges from this investigation were filed on Friday June 6^th, 2025.  The preliminary arraignment for the defendant’s charges is still pending.

As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This is an ongoing investigation.  If anyone has information, please contact the Berks County Detectives at 610-478-7171. They can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by either calling 877-373-9913, downloading the ALERTBERKS app on their mobile device, or via text message by typing ALERTBERKS along with their tip to 847411.