Matthew Gastringer, Fentanyl Distribution, Connecticut 2022

A Manchester man will spend nearly two and a half years behind bars for distributing fentanyl pills, authorities announced today. Matthew Gastringer, 35, was sentenced to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl pills.

The investigation, led by the FBI's Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, uncovered a network of associates who distributed cocaine and fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills in the Hartford area. In July 2020, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Gastringer. The probe revealed that Gastringer sold fentanyl pills to customers, often at a profit, and also consumed them himself.

Matthew Gastringer was arrested on May 12, 2021. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl on April 28, 2022. Gastringer has been detained since December 3, 2021, when his bond was revoked.

The FBI's Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force comprises members from various law enforcement agencies, including the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

Matthew Gastringer's sentencing brings an end to a lengthy investigation into a network of fentanyl distributors in the Hartford area. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Connecticut.

Defendant: Matthew Gastringer

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl

City and State: Manchester, Connecticut

Date: April 28, 2022 (sentencing)

Sentence: 28 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/manchester-man-sentenced-prison-distributing-fentanyl-pills