Overdose Investigation Leads to Heroin Distribution Charges Against Waterbury Man

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JAMES HAYES, also known as “T.Y.,” 32, of Waterbury, was arrested on heroin distribution offenses earlier this week.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

HAYES is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin.  The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

According the complaint, on June 16, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Monroe on report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 32-year-old female on the floor of her bedroom.  The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.  Investigators seized various items that were located in the bedroom, including several empty wax folds and one wax fold that contained suspected heroin.  It is alleged that HAYES distributed heroin that was consumed by the victim shortly before her death.

HAYES was arrested on August 22, 2016.  He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

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, Monroe Police Department and Waterbury Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.