Hartford Man Faces Lengthy Sentence In Drugs, Guns Case

HARTFORD, CT — A local man pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses recently, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Rafael Arroyo, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and one count of furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The first charge has a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and the second carries a minimum prison sentence of five years.

A court-authorized search of Arroyo's Broad Street apartment found 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, according to the statement.

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

This case 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.