Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Alleged Drug Dealer Charged In 2013 Electric Zoo "Molly" Death
By
Gabrielle Sierra
Published Jul 30, 2014
Modified Jul 30, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Electric Zoo
By
Gabrielle Sierra
Published Jul 30, 2014
Modified Jul 30, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A Buffalo man is being accused of selling the "Molly" that led to a death at last year's Electric Zoo. Patrick Morgan was arrested this morning under charges of narcotics distribution and narcotics conspiracy in connection to the death of 23-year-old Jeffrey Russ.
Prosecutors allege that Russ and two other individuals purchased 80 hits of Molly from Morgan with the intention of consuming and selling them at Electric Zoo. Late Friday night Russ took some of the pills after which he collapsed and had a seizure. He was treated by emergency medical technicians on Randall’s Island and ultimately taken to Harlem Hospital, where he arrived unresponsive. Russ died a few hours later from acute intoxication by the combined effect of MDMA and methylone with hyperthermia.
“As alleged, Patrick Morgan sold drugs that, far from enabling a good time, resulted in tragedy with the death of Jeffrey Russ," said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. "It bears repeating that every time people use drugs like “Molly” they are rolling the dice with their own lives, which is a foolish and senseless wager.”
Morgan, who is 23 years old, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute narcotics, and one count of distributing narcotics, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
“Synthetic drugs such as 'Molly' are extremely dangerous and have grown increasingly more popular at events such as music festivals," DEA Acting Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt said. "Those who ingest it, even if for the very first time, are putting themselves at risk because they have no idea what they are putting into their bodies. DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate any and all drug trafficking organizations that place lives at risk by selling these dangerous substances.”
The final day of the 2013 Electric Zoo festival was cancelled after the Molly-related deaths of Russ and 20-year-old Olivia Rotando. Several other attendees were also hospitalized for similar issues, but were later released.
Molly, or powdered MDMA, is often marketed as a purer version of Ecstasy, and can be ingested orally in powdered form. Molly aficionados prefer the powdered drug because it's ostensibly more pure than pills, but the same concerns that prompted ecstasy users to turn to testing kits now plagues Molly: No one knows what the stuff is cut with. According to a Slate investigation, much of the time the capsules being sold as Molly are laced with any number of things including aspirin, caffeine, bath salts, and methamphetamine.
Some festival-goers have begun utilizing drug testing kits available through organizations like DanceSafe and Bunk Police, allowing users to screen their stash before ingesting. However these screens are not usually readily available or supported by fests since most implement a zero tolerance drug policy.
Electric Zoo will be returning this year despite last year's day three cancellation.
Tagged
drugs
edm
electric zoo
mdma
Molly
original
Gabrielle Sierra
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .