John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDGARDO RIVERA, also known as “Eggy," 27, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
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 July 17, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Southington residence on a report of an unresponsive male. At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a male victim deceased of a suspected drug overdose. Investigators collected bags, which were later found to contain fentanyl, from the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl toxicity."
The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Rivera the day before the victim died from ingesting the drug.
In May and June 2018, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin from Rivera.
Rivera was arrested on federal criminal complaint on October 5, 2018. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of approximately 300 grams of controlled substances containing heroin and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, and more than $14,000 in cash.
Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for Aug. 21, 2019, at which time Rivera faces a prison term of at least 10 years.
Rivera is detained pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service and Southington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
