Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWIN ESCRIBANO, also known as “Bebo," 25, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin and fentanyl. 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.
ESCRIBANO appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing currently scheduled for June 2 at 12:30 p.m.
As alleged in court documents, on Sept. 14, 2016, the Rocky Hill Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a restaurant on a report of a male who had overdosed and was not breathing. The male, who was 29 years old, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including a cellophane tourniquet and syringe in the restaurant bathroom that ultimately tested positive for the presence of heroin and fentanyl. The investigation, which included analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that ESCRIBANO had provided the drugs to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.
The complaint charges ESCRIBANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and heroin, an offense that 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 and the Rocky Hill Police Department. 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
