THC Gummy Dealer Gets Prison Time After 12 Kids Hospitalized

A Guatemalan national who peddled THC-laced gummies that sent 12 William Floyd Middle School students to the hospital is headed to prison in a case that ignited outrage over New York's controversial bail laws.

Wilmer Castillo Garcia, 24, was sentenced Tuesday to two years behind bars after pleading guilty to drug dealing and endangering a child.

The case sparked a political firestorm after Castillo Garcia was released without bail, only to be caught attempting to flee across the Canadian border.

“New York’s broken bail laws put this defendant back on the street after he was arrested for selling drugs to an undercover officer and for giving weed-laced gummies to children,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.

The nightmare began in March 2025 when Castillo Garcia sold THC gummies through Instagram that ultimately reached 12 William Floyd Middle School students in Moriches.

All 12 became sick and sought medical treatment.

Prosecutors said Castillo Garcia also sold cocaine and marijuana to an undercover officer in May.

Despite the charges, he was released on his own recognizance following his August 2025 arraignment because the offenses were not bail-eligible under state law.

In October 2025, Canadian authorities apprehended him at the Lewiston Bridge while he attempted to leave the country.

The case fueled demands for tougher bail laws, with State Sen. Dean Murray and Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano introducing legislation to give judges greater discretion to set bail when crimes endanger children.

The lawmakers argued that public safety, particularly protecting children, must take priority over policies that automatically release defendants facing serious allegations.

Castillo Garcia pleaded guilty July 23 to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child.

On October 13, he received two years in prison and two years of post-release supervision.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer to take custody of Castillo Garcia after his prison sentence.