Greenwich Police Help Feds Nab Suspected Killer Heroin Dealer

GREENWICH, CT — A suspected heroin dealer, whose dope allegedly led to a fatal overdose in Seymour in July, was arrested Wednesday with the help of Greenwich police officers, according to United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.

Arrested Wednesday was Richard Estaba, also known as "Raw," 23, of Bridgeport, on a federal criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses. According to Daly, the charges 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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At the time of his arrest Wednesday, Estaba allegedly possessed approximately 400 folds of heroin and $1,300 in cash.

According to Daly and court documents, Seymour Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Seymour on July 9 on a report of a suspected drug overdose, and in the bathroom of the residence, responders found a 29-year-old male who was not breathing and did not have a pulse.

"The male was pronounced deceased," according to Daly. "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."

Additionally, in August 2017, investigators conducted an alleged controlled purchase of 10 wax folds of heroin from Estaba; those folds were marked with brand stamps that were found on some of the wax folds at the Seymour victim’s residence.

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

Estaba appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.

He was charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin. Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Seymour and Shelton Police Departments. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

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

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