Bristol Man Admits to Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl and Crack to Canton Overdose Victim

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

This 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 and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered a 29-year-old male in a bathroom of the restaurant.  After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased.  The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim purchased heroin and crack cocaine from WATKINS shortly before his death.  Some of the heroin contained fentanyl.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim died from acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and alprazolam.

WATKINS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on January 31, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

WATKINS has been detained since his arrest on July 25, 2017.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Canton Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.