Indictment Charges Two Men with Illegally Distributing Controlled Substances

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a six-count indictment charging ROBERT GENTILE, 75, of Manchester, and ANDREW PARENTE, 75, of Hartford, with controlled substances offenses. The indictment was returned on February 24, 2012.

As alleged in the indictment, in October and November 2011, GENTILE and PARENTE conspired to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, Schedule II controlled substances. On November 22, 2011, GENTILE and PARENTE possessed with the intent to distribute, and did distribute, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of OxyContin, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The indictment further alleges that, on October 17, November 4, and November 21, 2011, GENTILE possessed with the intent to distribute, and did distribute, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Dilaudid, a Schedule II controlled substance. On February 10, 2012, GENTILE possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Percocet, also a Schedule II controlled substance. Each of the charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million. GENTILE and PARENTE were arrested on a criminal complaint on February 10, 2012. GENTILE has been detained since his arrest. PARENTE is released on a $50,000 non-surety bond.

This matter has been assigned to Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.