Hartford Man Sentenced In Connection With Fentanyl Overdose

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison for fentanyl distribution and gun possession crimes, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Edgardo Rivera, aka "Eggy," 28, will also serve four years of supervised release.

According to the statement, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Southington home July 17, 2017, on a report of an unresponsive man.

At the home, medical personnel pronounced the man deceased of a suspected drug overdose.

Investigators collected bags, which were later found to contain fentanyl, from the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl toxicity.”

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Rivera the day before the victim died from ingesting the drug.

In May and June 2018, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin from Rivera.

Rivera has been detained since Oct. 5, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of approximately 300 grams of controlled substances containing heroin and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, and more than $14,000 in cash.

Rivera pleaded guilty in May 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense.

U.S. Attorney John Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.