SHARE

Bethel Man, 51, Pleads Guilty To Drug Charges Linked To 2 Overdose Deaths

BETHEL, Conn. — A 51-year-old Bethel man who pleaded guilty to charges connected to the drug overdose deaths of two women in Bethel is facing up to 20 years in prison, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Paul Mignani

Paul Mignani

Photo Credit: Bethel Police Department

Paul Mignani waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Deirdre M. Daly. 

Court documents and statements made in court detail the case against Mignani:

On July 31, Bethel Police responded to a home in town on a report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 54-year-old female. She was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. 

An investigation determined that Mignani distributed heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, which was consumed by the woman shortly before her death.

On Dec. 11, Bethel Police officers and medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 25-year old female at Mignani's home. She was pronounced dead. 

Investigators seized three empty heroin folds from her purse, and six empty heroin folds from her jacket pocket.

Related story: Bethel man faces federal charges in two overdose deaths

On Dec. 12, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Mignani's residence and seized three plastic bags of cocaine, each of which contained one gram of the drug. Investigators also seized $1,531 in cash and multiple cellphones. 

Mignani was arrested on state charges on that date.

He has been detained since his arrest on a federal charges Dec. 28.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven scheduled sentencing for June 20. Mignani faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison.

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

It 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. 

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE