WATERBURY, CT – Kevin Rivera, 29, of Waterbury, is headed to federal prison for five years after being convicted of possessing a firearm while peddling deadly heroin and fentanyl on the streets. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer handed down the 60-month sentence today in New Haven, followed by five years of supervised release. The case underscores the federal government’s relentless pursuit of those who profit from poisoning communities.
The bust went down on November 24, 2021, when Waterbury Police Department (WPD) officers put Rivera’s residence under surveillance. Cops watched Rivera conduct a clear drug transaction with an individual, handing off a baggie in exchange for cash. When officers moved in, Rivera immediately ditched a plastic bag containing roughly 46 bags of heroin/fentanyl – a pathetic attempt to evade justice.
But the initial bust was just the tip of the iceberg. A subsequent search of Rivera’s home and vehicles revealed a staggering cache of narcotics: over 3,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl, a small amount of cocaine, and the tools of his illicit trade – packaging materials and scales. The raid also uncovered a loaded Kel Tec Sub-2000 9mm semiautomatic rifle with its serial number deliberately scratched off, and a bulletproof vest, suggesting Rivera wasn’t just slinging dope; he was prepared for a fight.
Rivera has been cooling his heels behind bars since his arrest. He finally admitted his guilt on March 11, 2024, pleading guilty to the charges. The evidence against him was overwhelming. This wasn’t a first-time offense; Rivera was a committed participant in the city’s drug trade, willing to arm himself to protect his profits.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth prosecuted the case under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program focused on reducing gun violence and violent crime by bringing together law enforcement and community groups.
The Justice Department’s renewed focus on PSN, launched in May 2021, emphasizes building trust with communities, supporting violence prevention programs, and prioritizing strategic enforcement. Rivera’s sentence sends a clear message: those who endanger public safety with drugs and guns will face serious consequences. More information on Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at Justice.gov/PSN.
Related Federal Cases
- New Haven Heroin & Crack Dealer Gets 2 Years · Connecticut
- East Hartford Heroin Dealer Gets 7 Years · New York
- Rivera Gets 7 Years for Fair Haven Heroin Ring · Connecticut
- Waterbury Dealer Pleads Guilty in Heroin Overdose Death · Connecticut
- Bridgeport Heroin Dealer Gets 57 Months · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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