Ledyard Man Who Distributed Heroin Involved in Overdose Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY PAPROCKI, 33, of Ledyard, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose death 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 April 12, 2016, Groton Town Police responded to a report of a medical emergency involving a 25-year-old male. The victim, who had used heroin, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which has included witness interviews and the review of cellphone records and text messages, revealed that the victim had arranged to purchase heroin from PAPROCKI. PAPROCKI then purchased the heroin from Rudy Hernandez and sold it to the victim.

PAPROCKI has been detained in state custody since his arrest on April 20, 2016. On December 20, 2016, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

PAPROCKI has unrelated state charges pending, and Judge Shea ordered PAPROCKI to begin serving his 30-month federal sentence after he completes his state sentence.

On July 6, 2016, Hernandez, of New London, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin. On November 21, 2016, he was sentenced to 34 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Town of Groton 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.