A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment on Thursday charging Robert Dewayne Watkins, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
The indictment was announced by Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
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.
As alleged in court documents, on March 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered a 29-year-old male in a bathroom of the restaurant.
After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which has included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim purchased heroin and crack cocaine from Watkins shortly before his death.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim died from acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and alprazolam.
Watkins has been detained since his arrest on a criminal complaint on July 25, 2017.
If convicted of the charge, Watkins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment 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’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Canton Police Department.
The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from Greenwich, New Haven, Hamden, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.