John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone. Chief Judge Hall also ordered CIRINO to perform 200 hours of community service.
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. On Nov. 16, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Hamden Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
