Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin to Danbury Overdose Victim

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE REED, 25, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of distribution of heroin.

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 March 1, 2016, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Danbury Police responded to a service station on the report of a woman in medical distress in a restroom.  At the location, officers observed the victim on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds.  The victim also was holding a syringe. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support.  She has since recovered from the overdose.

The investigation revealed that REED supplied heroin to another individual who then sold it to the victim.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2018, at which time REED faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  REED is detained pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Torrington, Danbury and Wilton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.