Heroin Dealer Sentenced In Connection To Fatal Overdose In North Haven: Feds

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A Waterbury man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for distributing heroin that authorities say was likely used in a fatal overdose case in North Haven.

Teddy Stuart Lopez Jr., 20, who is also known as “Chico” and “Junior,” was also sentenced to five years of supervised release following the prison term, U.S. States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced in a press release.

The matter 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.

The victim’s family later turned over to law enforcement a wax fold of heroin, according to Daly.

Daly said the investigation revealed that the victim likely purchased heroin from Lopez in Waterbury earlier that day.

Between July 5 and July 8, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin from Lopez.

Lopez was arrested on July 19, 2016 at which time he was found to be in the possession of 40 bags of heroin, according to authorities.

A subsequent search of his residence revealed 150 bags of heroin, $1,600 in cash, a grinder, a digital scale, cutting agents, cellular telephones, and drug packaging material.

On November 16, 2016, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

Image via Shutterstock

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