Bethel Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin and Cocaine that Contributed to 2 Overdose Deaths

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PAUL MIGNANI, 51, of Bethel, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine and heroin. In imposing a sentence above the guideline range, Judge Meyer noted that MIGNANI had distributed cocaine and heroin involved in two overdose deaths and that one of the victims had died in MIGNANI’s bedroom. On March 28, 2017, MIGNANI waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before Judge Meyer in New Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court on July 31, 2016, Bethel Police responded to a report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 54-year-old female. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. The investigation revealed that MIGNANI distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine that was consumed by the victim shortly before her death. This toxic combination according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner was the cause of this victim’s death.

On December 11, 2016, members of the Bethel Police and medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 25-year old female at MIGNANI’s residence. The victim was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized three empty heroin folds from the victim’s purse, and six empty heroin folds from the victim’s jacket. MIGNANI provided heroin and cocaine to the victim that contributed to her untimely death.

On December 12, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of MIGNANI’s residence and seized three plastic bags of cocaine, each of which contained approximately one gram of the drug. Investigators also seized $1,531 in cash and multiple cellphones from the residence. MIGNANI was arrested on state charges on that date.

On December 28, 2016, after a federal criminal complaint was issued for MIGNANI, he was arrested and detained on federal charges stemming from his distribution of cocaine. According to statements made in court, MIGNANI was a drug dealer with approximately 10 customers to whom he regularly sold over several hundred grams of heroin and cocaine in total.

This case stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Bethel Police Department, with assistance from the States Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.