Bristol Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing Drugs that Contributed to Overdose Death

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics that contributed to an overdose death last year.

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 March 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered an unresponsive 29-year-old male.  After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased.  The investigation, which 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.  Some of the heroin contained fentanyl.

WATKINS has been detained since his arrest on July 25, 2017.  On November 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Canton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.