United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NOV 21 - HARTFORD, 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 Rudy Hernandez, 43, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose earlier this year.  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 April 12, 2016, Groton Town Police responded to a report of a medical emergency involving a 25-year-old male.  The victim, who had used heroin, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  The investigation, which has included witness interviews and the review of cellphone records and text messages, revealed that the victim had arranged to purchase heroin from an individual who then acquired the heroin from Hernandez and sold it to the victim.  On April 14, 2016, New London Police and other law enforcement conducted a search of Hernandez’s residence and seized heroin, cocaine and multiple cellular telephones.  Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on April 20.  On July 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Town of Groton Police Department.