Affidavit: Newtown Cop Completed Illegal Drug Deals Inside Department Building

Former Newtown Police Department Sgt. Steven Santucci was the head of a wide-spread Connecticut drug trafficking ring that pulled off some of its purchases and exchanges right at the police department in town, according to an affidavit filed in the United States District Court in New Haven.

Santucci, who was arrested this week on drug trafficking charges of mainly steroids, has been dealing in drugs since about 2011, collaborating with a Newtown Police Dispatcher, Jason Chickos, who acted like his right hand man and often left steroid packages for Santucci on his desk at the Newtown Police Department, according to the affidavit.

The state’s drug enforcement agency (DEA) was recently tipped off to Santucci’s involvement in steroid manufacturing and distribution when they received an anonymous letter from a “concerned citizen” along with a sample of Santucci’s steroids.

Santucci resigned after he was arrested.

Chief Michael Kehoe said he couldn’t comment on an ongoing internal investigation.

“Our internal protocols require an internal investigation be opened on matters like this,” he said

Related:

Update: Newtown Police Sergeant, Dispatcher Arrested in Alleged Steroid Ring Bust

It is also alleged that Santucci purchased drugs from China and other countries which were addressed directly to his Waterbury, Conn., address and delivered by USPS. Santucci imports bulk wholesale steroids in powder and liquid forms from China and other places, then manufactures and repackages the steroids for retail sales in Connecticut. Santucci’s credit cards showed he flew first class to Quito, Ecuador on Jan. 9, 2015 and returned to the U.S. first class from Lima, Peru, on Jan. 24, 2015.

Santucci earned about $80,000 per year as a police officer with Newtown. The affidavit states that from May 2011 through November 2014, Santucci received direct deposits of his salary totaling approximately $156,893 into his bank account. Additionally, Santucci made approximately $244,391 in cash deposits into his account, and deposited a further $46,514 into his bank account by ATM. In another account, Santucci made deposits of $5,525 and ATM deposits of $12,284.

“Based on my training and experience and investigation into this case, I believe the deposits beyond Santucci’s salary are narcotic and counterfeit prescription sale proceeds,” wrote DEA Special Agent Dana Mofenson, in the affidavit.

Santucci’s credit card statements also show Internet purchases of more than $28,000 for glassware and supplies from entities, such as E.Bottles.com. And from June 2011 to September 2013, Santucci made Western Union transfers of approximately $103,000 to China.

Some of the sales occurred at The Edge Fitness Clubs in Fairfield, Conn., the Fairfield Wheeler Golf Course, and Griffin Hospital. Chickos is described in the affidavit as a close associate of Santucci and a major distributor, purchasing thousands of dollars of steroids from Stantucci at a time. Chickos distributed at the Fairfield fitness club.

On April 23, 2015, a U.S. district judge authorized the wiretapping of Santucci’s telephone. During a recent text-message exchange documented in the affidavit, Chickos and Santucci communicated with each other about making an exchange at the Newtown Police Department, specifically involving Chickos leaving money for steroids in his desk at the police department.

SANTUCCI: We good to go or need another day

CHICKOS: Gtg. I’m working again tonight.

CHCIKOS: U working tonight

SANTUCCI: Yes. Have that other thing ready

CHICKOS: K. See yah tonight. I’m on til 11. I’ll wait for ya

SANTUCCI: I’ll come in early

CHCIKOS: K

SANTUCCI: Can you leave it on my desk or in my desk?

CHCIKOS: Ok. What time u gonna be here

SANTUCCI: I won’t be till like after 11:30

SANTUCCI: Oh, damn. I forgot your snack. And am running around now, I lol have to run it to you tomorrow

SANTUCCI: So I guess you don’t have to leave it. Cause I’ll have to see you tomorrow anyway.

CHCIKOS: OK, I’m working tomorrow again at 3 pm. If you’re off from work I can meet ya earlier. Gonna leave another envelope on your desk also

SANTUCCI: Ok. My draw is open

CHCIKOS: Not sure which drawer is yours

SANTUCCI: My desk draw. First desk on right when you walk in.

CHCIKOS: K

SANTUCCI: Got it

CHCIKOS: K

When Santucci writes that he forgot Chickos’s “snack,” he is referring to to steroids, the affidavit states.

As recently as April 25, 2015 at about 11:22 p.m., Santucci was observed travelling down Church Hill Road in his 2010 Toyota Prius by law enforcement officials working on surveillance. Santucci then drove to the Newtown Police Department, parked his car, and engaged in another steroid transaction with Chickos at the headquarters.

Photo Credit: Patch archive photo.

Additional reporting by Rich Scinto