Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that COREY SENIOR, 26, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
SENIOR appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing currently scheduled for May 19 at 9:30 a.m.
As alleged in court documents, on April 27, 2017, the Shelton Police Department and emergency medical services responded to a Shelton residence after a report of a suspected drug overdose of a 34-year-old female. The victim was pronounced deceased. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appeared to have contained heroin and a hypodermic needle. Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone.
It is further alleged that on April 28, 2017, the victim’s cellphone received a text from SENIOR and an officer posing as the victim arranged to purchase heroin from SENIOR. SENIOR was arrested by the Shelton Police later that day after he arrived at the victim’s residence in possession of suspected heroin. The investigation revealed that SENIOR had provided heroin to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.
The federal complaint charges SENIOR with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin, and conspiracy to distribute narcotics. Both offenses carry 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 Shelton Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
