Attorney Purchased Heroin From Client: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A 68-year-old criminal defense attorney is accused of purchasing 40 bags of heroin from a client in her driveway on Tuesday afternoon, according to police. An investigation was launched after police received complaints over the past several months that narcotic sales were taking place at a Mountain View Road home, according to Lt. Michael Colavolpe.

Colavolpe said the resident was identified as 39-year-old Heather McKee and on Tuesday, June 6, detectives witnessed a hand-to-hand transaction in the driveway of McKee’s residence between McKee and Attorney James McCann. (To sign up for Wallingford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

“After witnessing the transaction, detectives took both subjects into custody,” Colavolpe said in a press release. “McKee, who has previously used the name Heather Stairs, was found to be a client of Attorney McCann. Attorney McCann, a criminal defense attorney has previously represented McKee in criminal proceedings.”

Detectives learned that McCann, 68, purchased 40 bags of heroin from McKee, according to Colavolpe.

During a subsequent search of McKee’s residence, detectives found an additional 100 bags of heroin along with a bag containing approximately 2.5 grams of powder heroin, packaging materials (wax bags, elastics, measuring spoon) and a digital scale, according to Colavolpe. Also, $3,000 in cash was seized.

Seized items/ via the Wallingford Police Department

Colavolpe said McKee was purchasing heroin in powder form and filling the bags she was selling. In addition to the heroin, McKee was found to be in possession of a small quantity of Suboxone and Xanax, which she didn’t have a prescription for, according to Colavolpe.

“These cases can take several weeks or months to develop and through the hard work and determination of our narcotics division they were able to bring this case to the successful resolution that was realized today,” Wallingford Police Chief William Wright said in a statement.

“This case is a clear example of the partnership that the Wallingford Police Department has with our community. Our residents are intolerant of drug activity and we are appreciative of the information coming to our attention, and we are grateful for their patience.”

Attorney James McCann/ via Wallingford Police Department

McCann, of Oakdale Circle, Wallingford, was charged with possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia. McCann was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on June 20.

Heather McKee/ via the Wallingford Police Department

McKee was charged with operating a drug factory, sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. McKee was released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on June 20.