Crime & Safety

Man Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl-Laced Heroin to Overdose Victim in Monroe

The man pleaded guilty to a federal charge of distributing heroin that authorities say resulted in the death of a 48-year-old man.

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport man was sentenced to 13 months in prison for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin that led to overdoses in April 2016, including the death of a 48-year-old man in Monroe, according to authorities.

Erick Delgado, 39, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release following the prison term, U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced in a press release.

The charge stems 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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On the morning of April 25, 2016, Bridgeport Police and medical personnel responded to a location on Washington Avenue on a report of a possible drug overdose, according to authorities.

The overdose victim was revived with two doses of Narcan and was transported to the hospital. A friend of the victim, who was with the victim at the time and contacted medical professionals after the overdose, told investigators that he and the victim purchased heroin from and individual he knew as “Eric” in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street in Bridgeport, according to court documents and statements made in court.

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The victim subsequently identified Delgado as the source of the heroin he used, authorities said.

“In the evening of April 25, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 48-year-old male at residence in Monroe,” Daly wrote in the press release. “The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent interview with an acquaintance of the victim revealed that, on April 25, the victim and his acquaintance traveled to the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street where the victim purchased heroin from Delgado.”

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be acute fentanyl intoxication.

“On May 3, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement contacted Delgado to arrange the purchase of heroin,” Daly wrote. “When the individual and an undercover officer arrived in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street, they were met by Delgado’s brother, Anoris Delgado, who subsequently provided them with 20 bags of heroin. The undercover officer purchased another 20 bags of heroin from Anoris Delgado on May 20.”

Delgado has been detained since his arrest on June 21, 2016. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin in October.

On Oct. 25, 2016, Anoris Delgado pleaded guilty to the same charge. He awaits sentencing.

Image via Shutterstock

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