Connecticut man pleads guilty to federal drug charges

A man from Connecticut, Eric Herman, has pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm charges. He is 32 years old and lives in Bridgeport. Herman appeared in court on Monday in New Haven and admitted to several serious offenses. He pleaded guilty to two counts of intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin. He also accepted guilt for another count of intent to distribute cocaine and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition as a felon. The maximum prison sentences for these charges could reach up to 20 years for each drug count and 15 years for the weapon charge. Herman's legal troubles began when investigators looked into two fatal overdoses linked to him in 2021. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stratford Police Department started monitoring his activities. They reported that he sold fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine to undercover agents in mid-2022. Authorities arrested Herman on September 15, 2022. At the time, he had a large amount of cocaine, a loaded 9mm ghost gun, and extra ammunition. His previous felony convictions made it illegal for him to possess a weapon. Herman has been in custody since his arrest in 2022. He has also pleaded guilty in state court for charges related to the overdose deaths.