Former Norwalk Resident Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in Bridgeport Overdose

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD PISKE, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that contributed to an overdose death of a Bridgeport woman last year.

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.

According to court documents and statements made in court, early in the morning of June 29, 2016, Bridgeport Police and emergency medical personnel responded to Bridgeport residence on a report of an apparent overdose.  At the residence, responders found a deceased 25-year-old female on the floor of a bedroom.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from acute heroin, cocaine and alcohol intoxication.  

The investigation, which included analysis of PISKE’s cell phone and the victim’s boyfriend’s cell phone, revealed that, on June 28, 2016, the victim’s boyfriend purchased a quantity of heroin from PISKE, who was residing in Norwalk at the time.  Later that day, the victim and her boyfriend ingested some of the heroin that had been purchased from PISKE.

PISKE was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2016.  On August 24, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

PISKE, who is released on a $25,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 3, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bridgeport Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.