Crime & Safety

DEA Arrests 13 for Alleged Prescription Drug Trafficking Ring

The individuals arrested hail from towns throughout the New Haven area.

A long-term DEA Task Force investigation culminated today in the arrest of 13 New Haven-area residents - including a Hamden man - on charges related to a prescription drug trafficking ring.

The arrests were announced by David B. Fein, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Steven W. Derr, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division.

The arrests are the culmination of a long-term DEA Task Force investigation, which, authorities said, included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of OxyCodone pills and physical surveillance. In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement reportedly seized more than 2,000 pills and approximately $11,000 in cash.

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“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who are involved in the illegal distribution of highly-addictive prescription narcotics,” Fein said. “Prescription drug abuse, especially among younger members of our society, is a growing problem, and I want to thank the DEA Task Force for their diligent work in disrupting this network.”

“Prescription drug abuse is a major concern in Connecticut and throughout New England, and the DEA is committed to combating those who traffic these drugs,” Derr added.

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The following individuals are each charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, OxyCodone, a Schedule I controlled substance:

  • Michael Marchitto Jr., 28, of Kaye View Drive, Hamden.
  • Kelly Pietrosimone, 22, of Summit Street, New Haven.
  • Jaime Pietrosimone, 26, of Summit Street, New Haven.
  • Michael Dady, 26, of Dogburn Lane, Orange.
  • Kristina Gargano, 23, of Gerrish Avenue, East Haven.
  • Joseph Puglisi, a.k.a. “Joe Pugs,” 47, of South Main Street, Wallingford.
  • Heidi Orkisz, 28, of Fawn Meadow Lane, North Branford.
  • Amber Fischer, 27, of Newton Street, Meriden.
  • Patricia Bonanno, a.k.a. “Trish,” 22, of 95 Bradley Ave., East Haven.
  • Justin Ortiz, 28, of Austin Ryer Lane, Branford.
  • Francis Martone, a.k.a. “Frankie,” 31, of Fountain Street, New Haven.
  • Brenda Marchitto, 50, of Juniper Drive, North Haven.
  • Michael Marchitto Sr., 51, of Juniper Drive, North Haven.

If convicted of this charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes personnel from the New Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Hamden, Branford, and Wallingford Police departments, and the United States Marshals Service.

The case is being prosecuted by assistant United States attorneys Patrick Caruso and Doug Morabito.,,


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