Plea Deal Reached With Accused Bridgeport Heroin Dealer: Feds

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 23-year-old Bridgeport man, suspected of supplying the heroin that led to the overdose death of a 29-year-old Seymour man, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, according to United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Richard Estaba, who goes by the street name "Raw," was arrested in September of last year after investigators made a controlled purchase of 10 wax folds of heroin from him. The folds carried the same "brand name" as some of those found near the deceased Seymour man about a month before.

The case was part of an ongoing statewide initiative "targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users," according to prosecutors.

The fatal overdose occurred on July 9. Seymour Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in town on a report of a suspected drug overdose.

"In the bathroom of the residence, responders encountered a 29-year-old male who was not breathing and did not have a pulse," according to a statement from prosecutors. "The male was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized the victim’s cellphone, multiple folds of suspected heroin marked with two different brand stamps, and other drugs. Subsequent cell phone analysis and witness interviews determined that Estaba supplied the heroin consumed by the victim shortly before he was found dead."

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s death "was caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine, etizolam, fentanyl, flubromazolam and heroin."

At the time of his arrest, Estaba had approximately 400 folds of heroin and $1,300 in cash in his possession.

He is scheduled to sentenced in April, at which time he faces a maximum prison term of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Seymour and Shelton Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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