A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to federal prison following an investigation that connected mailed fentanyl to a fatal overdose in Norwalk.

According to federal court records, 47-year-old Michael Thomas D’Orlando of Malden, Massachusetts, was sentenced to eight years in prison on January 20th for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Investigators determined D’Orlando mailed packages containing fentanyl-laced powder to an individual in the Southern District of Iowa. The case stemmed from an incident that occurred on November 27, 2023, when the Norwalk Police Department responded to the death of a resident. According to court documents, law enforcement officials later confirmed the victim ingested the substance mailed from Massachusetts, and the fentanyl caused the fatal overdose.

Following his prison sentence, D’Orlando will also serve three years of supervised release. Federal authorities noted there is no parole in the federal prison system. Norwalk Police Chief Greg Staples said the case underscores the severe risks narcotics distribution presents to the community and credited cooperation between local, county, and federal agencies for the successful investigation and prosecution.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa. The investigation involved the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Norwalk Police Department.