John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, of Hamden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, 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."
CIRINO was arrested on May 9, 2017. Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2018.
CIRINO is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Hamden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
