Hartford Man Sentenced In Heroin, Fentanyl Case

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Dannie Darling, 32, will also serve three years of supervised release.

According to the statement, the case stems from an investigation by local police and the FBI into drug-dealing activity in Hartford's South End by the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”).

Nelson Ferry, aka“300,” led one of the drug trafficking organizations and operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers. Darling, who is Ferry’s brother-in-law, purchased distribution quantities of fentanyl/heroin from Ferry and, at times, delivered narcotics to another member of the organization, according to the statement.

On May 22, 2018, a member of Ferry’s organization was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of the Wethersfield Avenue trap house.

After the shooting, police intercepted communications revealed that Ferry solicited Darling to locate and likely harm the shooter.

Darling has been detained since his arrest on June 19, 2018. On Sept. 9, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

Darling’s criminal history includes multiple convictions and he previously served a 78-month sentence in state custody.

Ferry has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.