Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Charge Related to Shelton Overdose Investigation

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRANCE SAUNDERS, 33, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and 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 23, 2016, the Shelton Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a suspected overdose at a Shelton residence.  At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a 45-year-old female victim deceased.  Investigators collected drug and non-drug evidence, including folds containing suspected heroin, and the victim’s cell phone.

Analysis of the victim’s cell phone revealed numerous contacts, including multiple text messages on March 22, 2016, between the victim and Saunders’ cell phone in which the victim arranged to acquire drugs.  Investigators subsequently conducted controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Saunders and his associate, Rashad Johnson, by contacting Saunders’ phone.

Saunders was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 27, 2018.

Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 16, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Saunders is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

Johnson, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 19, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Shelton, Ansonia and Monroe Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.