Convicted Felon Charged With Manslaughter In Fatal Overdose Case: Naugatuck Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Bridgeport man has been charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal overdose reported earlier this year in Naugatuck, police announced Tuesday morning.

In a news release, police said a suspected overdose was reported at a Naugatuck home early the morning of March 23.

Officers found an unresponsive man in his bedroom and attempted life-saving measures, however the man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of responding police officers and Naugatuck EMS, according to police.

While no signs of trauma were found, officers learned after further investigation the man had a history of drug use, police said.

Detectives also found white glassine bags containing a white/yellow powdery substance consistent with heroin or fentanyl in the man's shorts pocket, according to police.

A clear plastic bag containing a white rock-like substance later determined to be crack cocaine was also found, and the man's phone was recovered as evidence, police said.

On March 25, officers learned of communications evidence linking Rodney Coriano, 36, of Bridgeport, to the man that detailed arranging the sale of narcotics, according to police.

In May, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the man's cause of death to be acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol, police said.

During a nearly six-month-long investigation, detectives utilized multiple avenues to link Coriano to the narcotics sold to the man, resulting in his death, according to police.

DNA evidence was also analyzed at the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory and linked to Coriano, police said.

Detectives also collaborated with the Connecticut State Police Narcotics Task Force, where they conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl directly from Coriano, police said.

The investigation resulted in the execution of a search and seizure warrant in July, during which "significant quantities of suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia" were seized from Coriano's person and home, according to police.

"Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed with overwhelming probability that Coriano's DNA matched the DNA recovered from the drug packaging at the victim's death scene," police said in a news release. "Investigators determined that Coriano distributed fentanyl and crack cocaine to the victim only hours before his death."

Coriano was charged Wednesday with first-degree manslaughter and sale of hallucinogenic/narcotics.

"The Naugatuck Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family and loved ones," police said in a news release. "We recognize the immeasurable pain caused by this tragic and preventable loss, and we remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice on their behalf."

According to police, Coriano is a convicted felon who is currently on special parole until November 2027 and on probation until November 2028.

Police also noted Coriano has "an extensive criminal history with 14 arrests" and was found guilty in 2018 of negligent homicide in connection with an overdose death arrest made by Naugatuck police.

"This case exemplifies the tireless work and determination of Naugatuck police detectives, led by Detective Andre Moutela, who worked in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory," police said. "Their dedication ensured that every lead was followed and every piece of evidence was secured to hold the responsible party accountable."

Police also noted the department will "continue to pursue repeat offenders and aggressively combat the flow of dangerous narcotics that destroy lives, devastate families and threaten the safety of communities across our state."

The full news release, which includes further details of Coriano's criminal history, can be viewed here on the Naugatuck Police Department's Facebook page.