West Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and PCP to Overdose Victim

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN MALDONADO, also known as “Chewy,” 31, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and PCP to an overdose victim in 2016.  Judge Underhill also ordered MALDONADO to pay restitution to the victim’s family to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.

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 25, 2016, Bristol Police and emergency medical personal responded to a Bristol residence on a report of an untimely death and encountered a deceased 24-year-old female on a bed in the residence.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cellphone, numerous wax folds that are typically used to package heroin, and two Naloxone injectors (one used and one unused) contained within an overdose kit.  A witness at the scene reported that the victim had recently sought medical assistance for bleeding from the ears.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died from fentanyl and PCP intoxication.

The investigation revealed that MALDONADO provided drugs to the victim shortly before her death.  The victim’s cellphone contained numerous text messages between MALDONADO and the victim.  In one text message sent the day before she was found dead, the victim stated “Omg! Im bleeding out my ears!! Wat did u giv me?”

MALDONADO was arrested on May 26, 2016.  On September 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and phencyclidine (“PCP”).

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Bristol Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.