Hamden Men Admit to Distributing Oxycodone Involved in Weston Overdose: Feds

HAMDEN, CT — Two Hamden men face up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal oxycodone distribution charges in connection to an overdose case in Weston in which a 22-year-old man was found unresponsive and remains in a “persistent vegetative state.”

Hamden residents Tahir Farid, 22, and Ryan Looney, 19, are both scheduled to be sentenced in August, according to a joint press release from U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.

The charges against the men stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

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According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 3, a 22-year-old man purchased 30 40-milligram oxycodone pills from Farid in exchange for $900. He then consumed some of those pills, as well as other substances, according to the press release.

On January 5, the 22-year-old man was found unresponsive at a friend’s residence in Weston. He remains unresponsive and, according to medical personnel, is in a “persistent vegetative state.”

The investigation revealed that, prior to the victim’s overdose, Looney supplied Farid with oxycodone pills. Farid then distributed the pills to the victim, according to the release.

Farid and Looney were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 22 and February 29, respectively.

On Monday, Looney waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on Aug. 11. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

On April 26, Farid pleaded guilty to the same charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 8.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, U.S. Marshals Service, Weston Police Department and Monroe Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.