Bristol Man Charged with Distributing Heroin to Overdose Victim

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROGER TUSCANO, 47, of Bristol, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin.

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.

TUSCANO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into an inpatient drug treatment program.

As alleged in court documents, on April 26, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence for an unresponsive 54-year-old female who had suffered an apparent drug overdose.  Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, including administering naloxone, with minimal effect.  The victim was then transported to the hospital.

At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including four wax folds that contained heroin.

The victim died on April 28.  The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of heroin and clonazepam.

It is alleged that on the morning of April 26, the victim purchased heroin from TUSCANO at a gas station in New Britain.

The complaint charges TUSCANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Southington Police Department and Bristol Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.