North Branford man accused of distributing fentanyl

NEW HAVEN — A North Branford man could face up to 20 years in prison for allegedly distributing heroin and fentanyl.

Scott Mathews, 34, was charged Nov. 7 with one count of distribution of heroin, and fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, after a federal grand jury brought the charge before a judge, according to a release. Mathews pleaded not guilty in a New Haven court Monday and was released on $100,000 bail.

The charges stems from an investigation into a 39-year-old man’s death in a Meriden hotel room last November, the release said. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 8, 2017, Mathews distributed heroin and fentanyl.

Matthews faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if he’s convicted.

“U.S. Attorney John Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt,” the release said. “Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Meriden Police Department are conducting the investigation while the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.