Alleged Heroin Dealer Arrested in Connection with Monroe Woman's Fatal Overdose

MONROE, CT — A Waterbury man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal overdose of a 32-year-old Monroe woman, according to Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Daly, along with Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced in a joint statement on Wednesday that James Hayes, also known as “T.Y.,” 32, of Waterbury, was arrested on heroin distribution offenses earlier this week. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

Daly said that on June 16, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Monroe on report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 32-year-old female on the floor of her bedroom. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter and investigators seized various items fro her bedroom, including several empty wax folds and one wax fold that contained suspected heroin, Daly said. It is alleged that Hayes distributed the heroin that the victim consumed shortly before her death.

Hayes is charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin. The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
Hayes has been detained since his Aug. 22 arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Monroe Police Department and Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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