A New Britain man has been charged with fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses following a federal indictment.
According to the indictment, Thomas Rivera, 29, was found in possession of approximately 140 grams of fentanyl, approximately 370 sleeves of fentanyl, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and $1,323 in cash. The stop occurred on June 3, 2022, in Hartford.
Rivera was arrested at the time on state charges, but subsequently posted a $1 million bond.
The indictment alleges that Rivera’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.
Rivera is facing one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff, and is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the federal government’s violent crime reduction efforts.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt, and that Rivera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant: Thomas Rivera
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
City and State: New Britain, Connecticut
Date: June 3, 2022, July 21, 2022 (indictment), and yesterday (arrest)
Sentence or Outcome: Detained pending trial
Dollar Amount: $1,323 in cash, $1 million bond
Case Status: Pending trial
Related Federal Cases
- Maico Turell, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession, Connecticut 2020-2022 · Connecticut
- Brian Evans, Fentanyl Distribution, Possession of Guns, Connecticut 2021 · Connecticut
- Jordan Flythe, Fentanyl and Crack Distribution, Connecticut 2020 · Connecticut
- Jonathan Torres, Fentanyl Distribution, Connecticut 2020 · Connecticut
- Gladstone Benjamin, Jr., Gun Possession and Drug Distribution, Connecticut 2021 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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