West Haven Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in Overdose Death

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER FOGLER, 31, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that was involved in an overdose death in Milford in January 2015.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 12, 2015, a 39-year-old male died from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in Milford.  The investigation, which included analysis of text messages captured from the decedent’s cellular telephone, revealed that FOGLER and Alyssa Jelliffe sold the decedent $170 worth of heroin on the evening of January 11, 2015. 

On January 16, 2015, a court-authorized search of FOGLER and Jelliffe’s residence revealed approximately 10 bags of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, razor blades and cut straws.

FOGLER and Jelliffe were arrested on January 16, 2015.

On April 19, 2016, FOGLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.  Jelliffe, 23, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 15, 2016.  She awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA and police departments across Connecticut are working together to investigate and prosecute narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.