4 Hartford Men Charged With Selling Crack, Fentanyl: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — Four Hartford men were arrested Thursday on federal charges of selling crack, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Investigators also found and seized 12 guns.

Anthony Dones, aka "Ant," 38, and Juan Laureano, aka "Pito," 40, were charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl. Edil Ramos, aka "E," 38, and Elias Guzman, aka "Bebo" and "Fat Boy," 28, were charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and crack cocaine.

The four were arrested in connection with an investigation into crimes committed by the Los Solidos and Latin Kings street gangs in Hartford’s South End, according to the statement.

In recent months, investigators have conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Dones and Laureano near Dones’ Montrose Street residence; fentanyl and crack cocaine from Ramos at his Wethersfield Avenue residence, and fentanyl and crack cocaine from Guzman on Benton Street.

Dones and Laureano were arrested at Dones’ home. Police found a loaded .45 caliber pistol and drug packaging material during a search of the home.

Police also said they found a loaded 9mm firearm at Ramos' home, along with approximately 1,200 bags of fentanyl, a distribution quantity of crack cocaine and approximately $33,000 in cash.

Guzman was arrested at his home on Flatbush Avenue.

“These are difficult times for all of us, and I want to commend the FBI Task Force, Hartford Police Department and all members of law enforcement who, at increased personal risk, are working to keep us safe,” said U.S. Attorney John Durham. “In recent months, shootings and fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been on the rise in our capitol city. Disrupting fentanyl trafficking networks and removing illegal guns from the street saves lives and, despite the significant obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to actively investigate and intend to aggressively prosecute those whose criminal activities endanger life in our communities.”