Thomas J. Halleran, Heroin and/or Fentanyl Distribution, Connecticut 2018

A Cheshire man has admitted to distributing heroin and/or fentanyl that led to the overdose death of a 31-year-old woman.

Thomas J. Halleran, 36, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and/or fentanyl.

The crime occurred on July 25, 2017, when Southington Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Southington where they encountered an unresponsive female on the floor. The female was pronounced deceased.

Investigations seized five folds of suspected heroin/fentanyl, two empty folds, other drug paraphernalia, and the victim's cellphone. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut concluded that the victim's death was caused by the combined effects of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, methadone, alprazolam and alcohol.

Analysis of the seized cellphone revealed that Halleran had been supplying heroin/fentanyl to the victim for approximately six weeks, and that he delivered heroin/fentanyl to the victim at her residence on the night of July 24, 2017.

Halleran is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on September 21, 2018. The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Halleran is currently detained pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Haven Task Force and the Southington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

The defendant will face 20 years in prison for his role in the distribution of heroin and/or fentanyl.

Halleran's actions led to the tragic death of a 31-year-old woman in Southington.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/cheshire-man-admits-distributing-narcotics-overdose-victim