Dwayne Thompson, Heroin Trafficking, Connecticut 2017

A West Hartford man has been found guilty of heroin trafficking offenses in a Connecticut court.

U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson found Dwayne Thompson, 37, of West Hartford, guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

The charges stem from a July 2017 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force. According to the evidence presented during a bench trial in Hartford, Thompson and his associate, Jose Carrasquillo, agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier.

On August 22, 2017, Thompson and Carrasquillo met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction. Thompson was arrested after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash. Carrasquillo, who fled from the scene at a high rate of speed, surrendered to law enforcement two days later.

At sentencing, which is scheduled for September 9, Thompson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term imprisonment of life. Thompson, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service today.

Carrasquillo, 36, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty on March 1, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He is released on a $150,000 pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 13.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/west-hartford-man-guilty-heroin-trafficking-offenses