Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL ARROYO, 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2018, a court-authorized search of Arroyo’s Broad Street apartment revealed approximately 400 bags of packaged heroin, a distribution quantity of cocaine, a Star S.A. 9mm semiautomatic pistol, an H&R “Sportsman” .22 caliber long rifle revolver, a Group Industries 9mm firearm, assorted ammunition, and three bulletproof vests.

Arroyo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 18, 2019.

Arroyo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.  Arroyo has been detained since his arrest on July 26, 2018.

This matter has been investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.