Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, of Hamden, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone.
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.
CIRINO was arrested on May 9, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, on March 9, 2017, the Hamden Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Hamden residence where a 30-year-old male was found deceased. At the scene, investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three suspected oxycodone tablets and the victim’s cellphone. The investigation revealed that the victim arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from CIRINO on March 7 and March 8.
The DEA Northeast Laboratory subsequently determined that the seized tablets contained fentanyl, acetaminophen and dipyrone, not oxycodone. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also determined that the victim died as a result of “acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use."
The complaint charges CIRINO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, and with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney 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 Hamden Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
