United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW HAVEN, CT. - Steven W. Derr, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division and David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and announced that 13 individuals were arrested today for their alleged involvement in a New Haven-area prescription narcotics trafficking ring.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of a long-term DEA Task Force investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of OxyCodone pills and physical surveillance. In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement seized more than 2000 pills and approximately $11,000 in cash.

“Prescription drug abuse is a major concern in Connecticut and throughout New England, and the DEA is committed to combating those who traffic these drugs,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Derr.

The following individuals are each charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, OxyCodone, a Schedule I controlled substance:

MICHAEL MARCHITTO, JR - ., 28, of Kaye View Drive, Hamden;

KELLY PIETROSIMONE - , 22, of Summit Street, New Haven;

JAIME PIETROSIMONE - , 26, of Summit Street, New Haven;

MICHAEL DADY - , 26, of Dogburn Lane, Orange;

KRISTINA GARGANO - , 23, of Gerrish Avenue, East Haven;

JOSEPH PUGLISI - , a.k.a. “Joe Pugs,” 47, of South Main Street, Wallingford;

HEIDI ORKISZ - , 28, of Fawn Meadow Lane, North Branford;

AMBER FISCHER - , 27, of Newton Street, Meriden;

PATRICIA BONANNO - , a.k.a. “Trish,” 22, of 95 Bradley Avenue, East Haven;

JUSTIN ORTIZ - , 28, of Austin Ryer Lane, Branford;

FRANCIS MARTONE - , a.k.a. “Frankie,” 31, of Fountain St, New Haven;

BRENDA MARCHITTO - , 50, of Juniper Drive, North Haven;

MICHAEL MARCHITTO - , SR., 51, of Juniper Drive, North Haven

If convicted of this charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes personnel from the New Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Hamden, Branford, and Wallingford Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service.