Meriden Man Admits Trafficking Heroin from Bridgeport Markets

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDDY ANTONIO TORRES MOREL, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres was trafficking narcotics from Big Daddy’s Deli and Jamal’s Market, two stores he operated on East Main Street in Bridgeport.  During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of a half-kilogram of heroin from Torres, first at Jamal’s Market on October 29, 2019, and then at Big Daddy’s Deli on January 24, 2020.

Torres was arrested on February 5, 2020.  On that date, investigators searched his residence and stores and seized two firearms, assorted firearm parts, ammunition, and approximately $22,000 in cash.

Torres is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 24, 2021, in Hartford federal court.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.