New Haven Man Arrested on Drug Distribution Charges Stemming from Overdose

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CURTIS DRAUGHN, also known as “Kirk,” 62, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing controlled substances.

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.

DRAUGHN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents, on December 22, 2016, New Haven Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call indicating that a man who had suffered an apparent overdose was found unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel in a parked car on Read Street.  First responders transported the victim to the hospital where he was placed on life support.  At the scene, officers seized several glassine baggies containing powder, several discarded empty baggies, other narcotics and drug paraphernalia.  A subsequent test of the powder in the baggies revealed the presence of fentanyl.

The victim, who was 33, was taken off life support and died on December 26, 2016.

It is alleged that the victim purchased heroin from DRAUGHN shortly before he died.

Between May and August 2017, investigators made three controlled purchases of heroin from DRAUGHN.

The complaint charges DRAUGHN with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  Both offenses carry 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 and the New Haven 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 Robert M. Spector.