NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 5, 2026) — A Bronx man has been charged with drug-trafficking crimes linked to three fatal fentanyl overdoses in Port Chester, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
Elvin Vila, 50, of the Bronx, was arrested and faces one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and three counts of distribution of narcotics resulting in death. Each count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The charges were announced by DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
According to a complaint unsealed Thursday, Vila led a drug-trafficking operation between 2023 and 2026, driving from the Bronx to sell fentanyl to customers at various locations. Prosecutors allege his drugs caused three overdose deaths: a 57-year-old man who died April 16, 2025, in Stamford; a 32-year-old woman who died April 25, 2025, in Port Chester; and a 69-year-old man who died Jan. 21, 2026, in Port Chester.
In the month before the first victim’s death, Vila made at least 10 drug deliveries to that individual. After receiving no response to text messages asking if the victim was “good” or “ok,” Vila allegedly continued selling fentanyl. Prosecutors say approximately one day after his last unanswered message to the first victim, Vila delivered narcotics to the third victim, who shared them with the second victim. The second victim died roughly a week later.
Vila continued making deliveries to the third victim after that death, including on Jan. 9, 2026. The third victim died Jan. 21, 2026.
On June 4, 2026, law enforcement searched Vila’s Bronx home pursuant to a court-authorized warrant, recovering suspected narcotic powders, narcotics mixing and stamping equipment, glassine envelopes, and a safe containing a firearm, cash, and a ski mask.
“As alleged, Elvin Vila sold fentanyl that killed three people, and he kept dealing even after his customers died from overdoses,” Clayton said.
Roberts said Vila’s trafficking “not only allegedly claimed the lives of three individuals” but “left a trail of grief and heartbreak for the families and loved ones now forced to mourn their loss.”
“He put profit over people’s lives again and again,” Tisch said.
Vila is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Getzel Berger of the Office’s Narcotics Unit. The Port Chester Police Department, Stamford Police Department, and New York State Police assisted in the investigation.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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