Waterbury Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in Fatal Overdose

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES HAYES, also known as “T.Y.,” 33, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that contributed to the overdose death of a Monroe woman last year. 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 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. The investigation revealed that HAYES distributed heroin that was consumed by the victim shortly before her death.

HAYES has been detained since his arrest on August 22, 2016. On January 20, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

Judge Bryant ordered HAYES to forfeit $710 in cash seized from him at the time of his arrest.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Monroe Police Department and Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.