BRIDGEPORT - Ronald Weaver, 38, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty on October 5 in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, according to a statement from US Attorney Deirdre Daly and Michael Ferguson, special agent in charge of the US Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.

That charge stems from an ongoing statewide enforcement project 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 11, 2016, Newtown police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Newtown on the report of a 30-year-old female who was in cardiac arrest. The victim was transported to the hospital where she subsequently died.

Medical records and witness interviews revealed that the victim had a history of substance abuse; the family of the victim turned over to law enforcement several wax folds of heroin, several empty folds, and other drug paraphernalia.

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased heroin and other drugs from at least two sources in the days leading up to her death. One of the sources worked as a "runner" who conducted drug transactions for Weaver, according to Ms Daly.

Between June and August 2016, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of heroin from Weaver, Ms Daly added.

Weaver has been detained since his arrest on August 9. He is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Stefan Underhill on December 28, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter was investigated by the DEA's New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes DEA agents and task force officers from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. Also, Newtown, Waterbury, and Torrington police participated in the investigation.