Dexter, Mo., man arrested in connection with drug-related death

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A 19-year-old Dexter, Mo., man is facing charges this week in connection with a drug-related death over the weekend.

Tyler R. Hardin is being housed in the Stoddard County Jail and faces charges of felony distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

The charges stem from an investigation that began when the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department received a call Friday morning from Missouri Southern Healthcare in reference to a patient, later identified as 20-year-old Bryan Maslinski, being treated for what appeared to be an accidental drug overdose.

Maslinski was later transported to Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, where he died Sunday.

An autopsy was scheduled to be performed Monday at Mineral Area Hospital in Farmington.

According to a complaint filed by Keith Haynes of the SEMO Drug Task Force, it was discovered that Hardin had sold a 100 mg fentanyl patch to Maslinski the previous night. Haynes and deputy Hank Trout later interviewed Hardin at his home, where he reportedly admitted to having sold the patch to Maslinski for $30.

Hardin is facing a $150,000 cash-only bond. He will face Judge Joe Satterfield at 9 a.m. Thursday for arraignment.