Hartford Man Indicted On Federal Fentanyl, Firearms Charges: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man accused of distributing fentanyl and other narcotics in the city has been indicted on federal drug and firearm charges following a yearlong investigation, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Kenny Laporte, 39, appeared in federal court in Hartford on May 6 and pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment returned by a grand jury in New Haven on April 28, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. He was released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.

U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan and FBI New Haven Division Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien said investigators determined Laporte distributed fentanyl and other narcotics to customers and other drug sellers in the Hartford area and used a residence on Amity Street to store drugs.

Investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Laporte in April and May 2025, according to court documents and statements made in court.

Laporte was arrested on May 29, 2025, on a federal criminal complaint.

Authorities said searches of the Amity Street residence and a nearby garage uncovered about 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 150 grams of powder cocaine, 25 grams of crack cocaine, 22 grams of heroin, nine handguns, ammunition, jewelry, and $21,000 in cash. Investigators said Laporte also had an additional $1,675 in cash when he was arrested.

Federal prosecutors said Laporte has prior felony convictions involving narcotics, firearms, and assault offenses.

Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms that have traveled in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Laporte with five counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances; one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine; and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

The fentanyl distribution charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The firearm charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Sullivan emphasized that the indictment is not evidence of guilt and that Laporte is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

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