Hartford Drug Dealer Sentenced To Prison: Feds

HARTFORD/NEW HAVEN, CT — A Hartford drug dealer will spend more than five years behind bars for selling and distributing fentanyl and crack, according to federal prosecutors.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, said Tuesday that Troy Coleman, 37, also known as “Hoy” and “TJ,” formerly of Hartford and Waterbury, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 67 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force revealed Coleman and his brother, Tyshawn Coleman, were selling fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford.

In November and December 2020, investigators made five controlled purchases of fentanyl, totaling 900 dose bags of the drug, from Troy Coleman, Avery said.

As the investigation continued, on April 13, 2021, Troy Coleman was shot multiple times outside of a restaurant located at 2393 Main St. in Hartford.

Coleman, who possessed fentanyl and crack cocaine at the time of the shooting, was released from the hospital approximately one week later, according to authorities.

It is alleged an undercover law enforcement officer purchased fentanyl from Tyshawn Colman in late April and early May 2021.

On May 5, 2021, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Tyshawn Coleman’s apartment on Sisson Avenue in Hartford, where Troy Coleman also resided, Avery said.

Avery said the search revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .40 caliber “ghost gun” with a loaded high-capacity magazine, a loaded 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and additional loaded gun magazine, ammunition and $4,860 in cash.

Troy Coleman was located and arrested on unrelated charges later that day.

Troy Coleman has been detained since his federal arrest on Oct. 4, 2021.

On Aug. 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.

Tyshawn Coleman, also known as “Ty” and “Mazi” has been charged by indictment for conduct stemming from this investigation, and is currently being sought by law enforcement.

Individuals with knowledge of his whereabouts are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.

For the full announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office, click on this link.