Plainfield Man Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Overdose Death Investigation

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 34, of Plainfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

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 August 31, 2016, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 38-year-old female at a hotel in Plainfield.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appear to have contained heroin and/or fentanyl that were located in a bathroom garbage can.  The investigation revealed that KINNEY had provided the drugs to the victim and her boyfriend shortly before the victim’s death.

KINNEY was arrested on May 9, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel.  Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of heroin and fentanyl.

KINNEY has been detained since his arrest.

Judge BOLDEN scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2018, at which time KINNEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plainfield 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr.