Heroin has claimed another victim, and this time it’s a Bristol man who will face the consequences. Keith Atwater, 36, of Bristol, has been sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that led to an overdose.
The crime occurred on August 2, 2016, when Bristol Police and medical personnel responded to a report of a medical emergency at a residence in Bristol. At the residence, they encountered an unresponsive 31-year-old male and pronounced him deceased shortly thereafter. Officers located and seized five empty wax folds that had contained suspected heroin, and other narcotics paraphernalia.
The investigation revealed that Atwater had distributed the heroin consumed by the victim. On August 23, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Atwater. Atwater was arrested on September 14, 2016, and officers seized from him an additional quantity of heroin packaged for distribution.
On December 27, 2016, Atwater pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. Atwater, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy C. Brown.
The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford. The verdict serves as a reminder that those who distribute heroin will face the full force of the law. Atwater’s actions led to the tragic loss of life, and his punishment is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system to keeping our communities safe.
In this case, the defendant’s actions have consequences. Keith Atwater, 36, of Bristol, has been sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that led to an overdose. 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.
Defendant Information:
Defendant Name: Keith Atwater
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute heroin
City and State: Bristol, Connecticut
Crime Date: August 2, 2016
Sentence or Outcome: 12 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: None
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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