Overdose Investigation Leads To Heroin Distribution Charge Against Waterbury Man
NOV 16 - NEW HAVEN, Conn - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Division and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Teddy Stuart Lopez, Jr., also known as “Chico” and “Junior,” 20, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. The charge 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 or statements made during court proceedings, on May 10, 2016, North Haven Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive man on the Hartford Turnpike in North Haven. The 23-year-old man, who had a history of substance abuse, was transported to the hospital where he later died. The victim’s family later turned over to law enforcement a wax fold of heroin. The investigation revealed that the victim most likely purchased heroin from Lopez in Waterbury earlier that day.
Between July 5 and July 8, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin from Lopez. Lopez was arrested on July 19, 2016. At the time of his arrest, Lopez possessed four bundles of heroin. A subsequent search of Lopez’s residence revealed 15 bundles of heroin, $1,600 in cash, a grinder, a digital scale, cutting agents, cellular telephones, and drug packaging material. Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 18, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Lopez is released on bond and residing in Rhode Island pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes DEA agents and task force officers from the North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, New Haven, Hamden, Branford, Ansonia, Derby, and Meriden Police Departments.
