Groton Man Sold Cocaine, Heroin To Overdose Victim: U.S. Attorney

GROTON, CT — A Groton man accused of selling heroin and cocaine to an overdose victim pleaded guilty in court Tuesday. United States Attorney John H. Durham said Ulpiano Lugo, 37, of Groton waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and/or cocaine.

According to a news release, Groton City police found an unresponsive 37-year-old male in the bedroom of a Groton residence on April 22, 2017, at approximately 7:37 p.m. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, court officials said.

A used syringe that was one-third full of an unknown liquid, a bent metal spoon with an off-white residue on the surface, one plastic bag with powder residue and the victim’s cellphone were collected at the scene by officers.

Officials said a subsequent analysis of the powder residue revealed the presence of heroin and cocaine, and text messages from the victim’s cellphone confirmed the victim had ordered narcotics from Lugo days before his death.

The accused has been detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 1. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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