East Hartford Man Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking

A 36-year-old East Hartford man is behind bars, charged with fentanyl trafficking offenses.

Brandon Spence, also known as ‘Spun,’ was taken into custody by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force after a months-long investigation, culminating in a series of controlled purchases and a search of his residence.

According to court documents, in March and April 2024, the FBI made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Spence. On April 3, 2024, a court-authorized search of his residence and vehicles revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl.

Spence appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2024.

The indictment charges Spence with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and Spence is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel will prosecute the case.