NOT GUILTY PLEA ENTERED IN OVERDOSE DEATH

A Burlington man pleaded not guilty Thursday to two charges,
including manslaughter, in connection with a May 2006 drug-overdose
death of an acquaintance.

Jesse J. Davis, 35, was ordered jailed on $35,000 bail during his
arraignment at Vermont District Court in Burlington. He faces up to
18 years in prison if convicted on charges of manslaughter and
delivery of a narcotic drug.

Police say Davis provided a fentanyl patch to Michael Delphia, who
later overdosed and died. Delphia ingested part of the patch
containing the painkiller and became ill. Davis then drove Delphia
home and left him on a couch, where Delphia later was found dead,
police said in court papers.

Davis' next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28.