Heroin Dealer Charged Following Investigation of Fatal Overdose Case in North Haven: Feds

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A 20-year-old Waterbury man pleaded guilty to a federal charge of distributing heroin that authorities believe resulted in a fatal overdose case in North Haven.

Teddy Stuart Lopez Jr., also known as “Chico” and “Junior,” pleaded guilty Wednesday in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, 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.

According to court documents or statements made during court proceedings, on May 10, 2016, North Haven Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive man on the Hartford Turnpike in North Haven.

The 23-year-old man was transported to the hospital where he later died, according to the press release. The victim’s family later turned over to law enforcement a wax fold of heroin. The investigation revealed that the victim most likely purchased heroin from Lopez in Waterbury earlier that day, according to Daly.

Between July 5 and July 8, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin from Lopez.

At the time of his arrest on July 19, Lopez possessed four bundles of heroin, according to Daly. A subsequent search of Lopez’s residence revealed 15 bundles of heroin, $1,600 in cash, a grinder, a digital scale, cutting agents, cellphones, and drug packaging material, Daly said.

Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2017 and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on bond and residing in Rhode Island pending sentencing, according to Daly.

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