John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLARENCE BELL, also known as “Solo," 22, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to time served and three years of supervised release for illegally distributing Xanax that contributed to an overdose death last year. Judge Underhill ordered BELL to serve the first year of supervised release in home confinement with electronic monitoring.
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 6:10 a.m. on May 24, 2016, the West Haven Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in West Haven on report of a sudden death of a 20-year-old male. Upon arrival, the initial responding patrol units determined that the death was suspicious in nature and appeared to be drug related. The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of phone records and surveillance cameras, revealed that at approximately 10:00 p.m. on May 23, 2016, the victim purchased a quantity of Xanax pills from BELL. The victim them crushed approximately three of pills and snorted the powder.
The victim’s autopsy report states the official cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin, alprazolam (Xanax) and cocaine.
BELL was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on Sept. 26, 2016, and has been released on a $25,000 bond since Sept. 29, 2016. On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
