ERIC HERMAN, Drug Trafficking, Connecticut 2022

ERIC HERMAN, 32, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Handed 96 Months for Fentanyl Trafficking

Bridgeport, Connecticut – In a major blow to the city’s illicit drug trade, ERIC HERMAN, 32, was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven for drug distribution and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stratford Police Department began investigating Herman’s drug trafficking activities following two fatal overdoses involving fentanyl in 2021. The investigation led to two controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine from Herman in May and June 2022.

On September 15, 2022, Herman was arrested and found in possession of a distribution quantity of cocaine, a loaded 9mm ‘ghost gun’ with a laser sight attached, and additional rounds of ammunition. Herman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses, which is a federal law violation.

Herman has been detained since his arrest and pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (‘crack’), fentanyl, and heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. His state sentence also involved narcotics and manslaughter charges stemming from an overdose death investigation and was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, suspended after eight years, and five years of probation.

Judge Bolden ordered Herman’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence. The DEA’s HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

This case is a significant blow to the city’s illicit drug trade and highlights the work of law enforcement agencies in tackling the issue. The community can rest assured that those responsible for perpetuating the opioid crisis will be held accountable.

The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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