A felon previously arrested more than a dozen times has been accused of selling narcotics to a man who died of an overdose in Naugatuck in March.
Rodney Coriano, 36, of Bridgeport was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree manslaughter and sale of a hallucinogen/narcotics, according to the Naugatuck Police Department.
The charges stem from a fatal overdose on March 23 when officers responded to a residence on the report of a suspected overdose and found a man unresponsive in a bedroom, police said. First responders initiated lifesaving measures before the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators found no signs of trauma but learned that the man had an alleged history of drug use before reportedly finding white glassine bags containing a white/yellow powdery substance in his pocket, according to police. The powder was suspected to be heroin/fentanyl. A clear plastic bag containing crack cocaine and the victim’s cell phone were also reportedly seized, police said.
Coriano was identified as a suspect two days later when authorities found communications between him and the victim allegedly discussing a drug deal, according to police.
In May, an autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that the victim died of acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol, according to police.
Detectives spent six months investigating the overdose and were reportedly able to use “multiple avenues” to link Coriano to the narcotics that caused it, according to police. Investigators said they found DNA evidence suggesting an “overwhelming probability” that Coriano was linked to the drugs at the scene.
Detectives also worked with the Connecticut State Police Narcotics Task Force to allegedly carry out controlled purchases of fentanyl from Coriano, police said. Authorities also carried out a search and seizure warrant in July, seizing “significant quantities” of suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia from Coriano and his residence, police said.
Detectives believe Coriano sold fentanyl and crack cocaine to the victim hours before his death, police said.
According to police, Coriano is a convicted felon who is on special parole until November 2027. He is also expected to be on probation until November 2028, police said.
His “extensive criminal history” includes 14 previous arrests, including a conviction on a negligent homicide charge tied to an overdose death in Naugatuck, according to police. Police said his history also includes three convictions on sale of a hallucinogen/narcotics, two convictions of operating under the influence, and a single conviction each on charges of possession of a control substance, sale of a controlled substance, sale of an illegal drug, possession with intent, possession of narcotics, third-degree larceny and violation of probation.
“The Naugatuck Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones,” the police department said in a statement. “We recognize the immeasurable pain caused by this tragic and preventable loss, and we remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice on their behalf.
“This case exemplifies the tireless work and determination of Naugatuck police detectives, led by Det. Andre Moutela, who worked in collaboration with the Connecticut State Police, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory,” police wrote. “Their dedication ensured that every lead was followed and every piece of evidence was secured to hold the responsible party accountable.
“The Naugatuck Police 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.”