United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – DEA New England Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle and United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut John H. Durham announced that a grand jury in Hartford has returned a four-count indictment charging John Matthews, also known as “Jay” and “Gotti,” 34, and Deandra Bloschichak, also known as “Tash” and “Tosh,” 19, both of Bridgeport, with fentanyl distribution offenses.

The indictment was returned on June 12, 2019, and was unsealed yesterday after Bloschichak was arrested. Matthews is currently in state custody on related charges. As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on Nov. 1, 2018, a 35-year-old man in Trumbull died of a drug overdose. The Connecticut medical examiner subsequently determined the victim’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication. The investigation revealed that Matthews sold the victim the fentanyl that caused the victim’s death. It is further alleged that Matthews and Bloschichak conspired to distribute fentanyl between September and November 2018.

The indictment charges Matthews and Bloschichak with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and heroin, and each with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. These charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

The indictment also charges Matthews with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of another person. If convicted of this charge, Matthews faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Boyle. “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of Connecticut. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

“As alleged, John Matthews sold the fentanyl that caused the death of a Trumbull man last November,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “In 2018, more than 1,000 Connecticut residents died by drug overdose, and fentanyl was a contributing substance in the vast majority of those overdoses. Drug dealers who continue to profit from the deadly opioid trade are warned: When a toxicology report clearly determines the substance that caused an overdose death, and the investigation reveals the indisputable source of that substance, our Office is prepared to charge this very serious, 20-year mandatory minimum offense.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Trumbull Police Department and Bridgeport Police Department. 

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