United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OCT 11 - 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 on October 7, Alyssa Jelliffe, 23, of West Haven, was sentenced 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 Jelliffe and Christopher Fogler sold the decedent $170 worth of heroin on the evening of January 11, 2015.  On January 16, 2015, a court-authorized search of Jelliffe and Fogler’s residence revealed approximately 10 bags of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, razor blades and cut straws.  Jelliffe and Fogler were arrested on January 16, 2015.  Jelliffe has been detained since February 26, 2016, when her bond was revoked.  On July 15, 2016, Jelliffe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.  Fogler pleaded guilty to the same charge and, July 19, 2016, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment.

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 Task Force and the Milford Police Department.