John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARILYN VEGA, 35, and BEKIM MUCA, 46, both of Waterbury, have pleaded to federal offenses stemming from an investigation of a drug overdose death in Plymouth.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2017, the Plymouth Police Department and emergency personnel responded to a residence after a 24-year-old male had suffered an apparent drug overdose.  Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.  At the scene, officers found white powder, which was determined to be a synthetic fentanyl, on a nightstand in close proximity to the overdose victim.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that the victim’s death was caused by multiple synthetic fentanyls.

Investigators analyzed the victim’s cell phone and identified numerous text messages between the victim and Muca, and between the victim and Vega.  The investigation revealed that the victim first purchased purported oxycodone pills from Muca, and then purchased pills from Vega, who was Muca’s source of supply for pills.

The day before his death, the victim drove from Plymouth to Waterbury to purchase narcotics.  At least some of the pills the victim purchased were counterfeit and contained synthetic fentanyl.

Vega and Muca were arrested on March 11, 2019.  Vega pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.  Muca pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to the same offense.

At sentencing, Vega and Muca face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plymouth, Milord and Southington Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.