Bridgeport Man Charged with Heroin Distribution in Connection with Seymour Overdose Death
A 23-year-old Bridgeport man is facing federal charges in connection with the distribution of heroin that led to the overdose death of a 29-year-old man in Seymour.
According to court documents, Richard Estaba, also known as "Raw," supplied the heroin that was consumed by the victim shortly before he was found dead on July 9, 2017. Investigators seized the victim’s cellphone, multiple folds of suspected heroin marked with two different brand stamps, and other drugs from the scene.
Subsequent cell phone analysis and witness interviews confirmed that Estaba was the source of the heroin. In August 2017, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 10 wax folds of heroin from Estaba, which were marked with a brand stamp matching some of the wax folds found at the victim’s residence.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s death was caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine, etizolam, fentanyl, flubromazolam, and heroin.
When he was arrested this morning, it is alleged that Estaba possessed approximately 400 folds of heroin and $1,300 in cash. Estaba appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.
The complaint charges Estaba with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin. Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Seymour and Shelton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime