Two arrested in connection to Charleston drug-induced death

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Two people have been arrested in Charleston in connection to a man’s drug-induced death earlier this summer.

Officials with the Charleston Police Department said on social media that on May 26, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive man in the area of 13th Street and Olive Avenue. The man they found could not be saved, and it was later confirmed that he died from “toxic effects of fentanyl.”

Following further investigation, Charleston Police identified Josiah Vingara as having a role in the man’s death. Court records indicate that a warrant was filed for his arrest on June 17, charging him with drug induced homicide. He was arrested the following day.

Vingara has remined in custody at the Coles County Jail since his arrest, as he was denied pre-trial release. On Wednesday, he appeared in court for a pretrial hearing and the court found probable cause to move forward with the case.

Vingara pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury. Another pre-trial hearing was scheduled for Aug. 8 with the trial set for Sept. 30. He will continue to remain in custody.

In addition, Charleston Police said their investigation resulted in the arrest of another 20-year-old, Samara Johnson, for obstruction of justice. Officials said she tried to conceal or destroy evidence.

Johnson was arrested on June 24 and released from jail the following day. A status hearing for her case is scheduled for Monday.

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