Hartford Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Involved in Norwich Overdose

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FELIX LOPEZ, also known as “Pablo,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for distributing narcotics to a Norwich overdose victim last year.

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 September 13, 2017, Norwich Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death at a residence in Norwich.  Responding officers were informed that the decedent, a 20-year-old woman, had an addiction to heroin.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cell phone.

The State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died from acute fentanyl and heroin intoxication. 

The investigation revealed that LOPEZ had sold narcotics in and around Hartford since at least January 2016, and that he supplied heroin and fentanyl consumed by the victim shortly before the victim died.

LOPEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 13, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed a quantity of crack cocaine.

LOPEZ has been detained since his arrest.  On April 5, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and fentanyl.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwich, Hartford and Manchester Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.