Former Judicial Marshal From Norwich Pleads In Federal Drug Case

NORWICH, CT — A 37-year-old former judicial marshal waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, announced United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Adam Clarke, of Norwich, was caught during a long-term, federal investigation into drug dealing in the Norwich and New London area, according to court documents and statements.

"On multiple occasions in October 2017, Clarke was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of heroin and prescription narcotics," wrote Durham in a statement. "Clarke was working as a state judicial marshal at the time of this conduct.

"The investigation revealed that Clarke received prescription pills from a known drug dealer while he was at work, assisted the drug dealer in avoiding detection by law enforcement by identifying law enforcement actions and vehicles, and agreed to broker at least one heroin transaction between the drug dealer and a third party."

Clarke is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport on January 17, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum prison term of 20 years. He is no longer a state judicial marshal and is free on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich, Waterford and Town of Groton Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

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