MAN GUILTY IN FRIEND'S DRUG OVERDOSE

A Seymour man accused of supplying the heroin that caused his best friend
to slip into a coma and die of a drug overdose last year was found guilty
of manslaughter in Superior Court in Milford Monday and faces five years in
prison.

George Anderson, 32, of Pearl Street, who accepted a plea bargain to a
reduced charge of second-degree manslaughter in the drug overdose death
last November of John Burnell, 36, , will be sentenced Nov. 4.

Assistant State's Attorney Gerard Esposito is recommending a sentence of 10
years, suspended after five years served. He's also recommending five years
probation and special conditons that will likely include substance abuse
treatment and evaluation.

Under the conditions of the plea bargain, Anderson's attorney will not have
the right to argue for a lesser sentence, officials said.

Anderson was originally charged with first-degree manslaughter, which
carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Under the plea bargain,
Anderson does not admit guilt but concedes there is a likelihood of a
criminal conviction based on the evidence. A finding of guilt is still
entered by the court.

The plea agreement rolls two previous cases against Anderson into the
agreed sentence recommendation and calls for Anderson to serve concurrent
prison time for second-degree burglary and second-degree failure to appear
in court.

- - Tucker McCormack

Anderson's sister, Lori Anderson, who attended each of her brother's
pre-trial court appearances for the past seven months, said she was glad
the case is finally over.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson