A Guatemalan national accused of supplying THC-laced gummies that sickened 12 Long Island middle school students has been released without bail, despite facing multiple felony drug charges. Suffolk County prosecutors said 22-year-old Wilmer Castillo Garcia distributed the marijuana-infused gummies traced to an Instagram account he allegedly operated.
The incident occurred in March at William Floyd Middle School, where a dozen students were hospitalized after ingesting the candies. Castillo Garcia has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, as well as third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance for allegedly selling cocaine and marijuana to an undercover officer in separate transactions. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, New York’s bail reform laws prevented prosecutors from requesting bail. District Attorney Raymond Tierney blasted the policy, arguing that it leaves communities vulnerable. “This is yet another example of how New York’s bail laws are broken. 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,” Tierney said.
Defense attorney Matthew Tuohy argued Castillo Garcia was not a flight risk, noting that he appeared in court voluntarily and hired his own lawyer. Tuohy said his client had a “very tough upbringing” but now has family in the U.S. supporting him. He insisted there was no intent to harm the children and called the situation “unfortunate.”
Castillo Garcia, who faces up to nine years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges, is due back in court on September 2. The case has reignited debate over New York’s controversial bail laws, which critics argue allow dangerous offenders to walk free while awaiting trial.
