Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYCK NORRIS, 23, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of distribution of heroin.
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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan (Naloxone), which had no effect. The victim was pronounced deceased. Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin. Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.
Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone. Analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from NORRIS earlier that day. Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from NORRIS for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.
On Nov. 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from NORRIS in Bridgeport. The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.
NORRIS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on Nov. 3, 2016.
The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
NORRIS is released on a $50,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
