Crime & Safety
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine That Caused Niece's Overdose Death
The man used some of the drug himself and sold the rest to his niece, who was one of the victims of a mass overdose in June.
NEW HAVEN, CT—A city man pleaded guilty to selling fentanyl-laced cocaine that was involved in an overdose death.
A total of 17 people overdosed after consuming narcotics on June 23 in the city. Three victims died.
Interviews by law enforcement found that all the victims thought they were using cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office. The drug was laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be 50 times stronger than heroin.
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Emeth Soloman, 43, used some of the drug purchased from supplier Frank Pina and sold the rest to his niece, who died from an overdose.
Soloman gave false statements to law enforcement at they were trying to rid the streets of the fatal batch, according to the office.
Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 16 and faces up to 20 years in prison.
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