Guilty Plea In Overdose Death In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone in connection to the death of a 30-year-old man earlier this year. Agustin Cirino, 29, faces up to 20 years in prison after waiving his right to be indicted and pleading guilty Thursday in federal court in New Haven, U.S. States Attorney John H. Durham announced in a press release. Cirino’s arrest stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 9, Hamden Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Hamden residence where a 30-year-old man was found dead. At the scene, investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three suspected oxycodone tablets and the victim’s cellphone.

The investigation revealed that the victim arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from Cirino on March 7 and March 8, according to authorities.

“The DEA Northeast Laboratory subsequently determined that the seized tablets contained fentanyl, acetaminophen and dipyrone, not oxycodone,” according to the press release. “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also determined that the victim died as a result of ‘acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use.’”

Cirino, who was arrested on May 9, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1 and is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

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