East Lyme Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution Charges Stemming from Fatal Overdose

EAST LYME, CT - A man suspected of distributing heroin that led to a fatal overdose plead guilty Wednesday in New Haven federal court.

Christopher Stevens, 25, of East Lyme waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin, according to a release.

Court documents said East Lyme police and emergency medical crews responded to a vehicle parked on the side of the road with its engine running early in the morning on June 4, 2016. They found a 25-year-old male slumped over dead in the driver’s seat, and a young child in the rear seat.

Investigators also found a torn wax paper baggy in the man’s hand and several other baggies under his body. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut later determined that the victim died from acute heroin and fentanyl toxicities.

Further investigation revealed the victim met Stevens at his East Lyme residence shortly before he overdosed, during which the suspect provided heroin to the victim.

Stevens' charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 12. Police are still investigating the situation.

This prosecution is part of 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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