United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Ryan Budd, 25, formerly of Bethel, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven 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 1, 2016, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Danbury Police responded to a service station on the report of a woman in medical distress in a restroom.  At the location, officers observed the victim on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds.  The victim also was holding a syringe. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support.  She has since recovered from the overdose.  At the service station, officers collected various items as evidence, including a second syringe, three “folds” of heroin and two cell phones.  The investigation identified Budd as the heroin source of supply in this overdose case.  Budd was arrested on March 9, 2016, and is released on a $100,000 bond.  He currently resides in Branford.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2016, at which time Budd faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Danbury Police Department and the Wilton Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.