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Ryan Budd, 25, who now lives in Branford, admitted selling heroin to a woman who was found "in medical distress" on a service station bathroom floor about 11:40 p.m. March 1, according to U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Deirdre M. Daly.
The woman, who was found "on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds," was taken to an area hospital and placed on life support, according to Daly. She later recovered. Authorities have not released her name.
In a statement Thursday, Daly said the woman was found with a syringe on the night of her overdose. Other evidence recovered later included a second syringe, three "folds" of heroin and two cellphones, Daly said.
During the police investigation, Budd was identified as the woman's suspected drug dealer. He was arrested on March 9, according to Daly.
He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin.
The 25-year-old was released on $100,000 bond after his arrest and remains free while awaiting sentencing on Sept. 29, Daly said.
Budd, who entered his plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer, faces up to 20 years in prison.
According to Daly, the woman's overdose and Budd's resulting arrest came about as authorities continue the statewide targeting of drug dealers selling heroin, fentanyl and other opioids in Connecticut.
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