Fentanyl Distribution Charges Filed Against West Hartford Man

NEW HAVEN, CT — A West Hartford resident was indicted by a federal grand jury in New Haven Wednesday on charges of distributing fentanyl while released on bond in a federal case.

Brian Velez, 31, also known as "Whites," has been detained since March 12, following his arrest on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl. The indictment charges Velez with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and committing the offense while on release in a federal case, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, according to John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, around 10:20 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2018, a car Velez was operating sped away from Hartford police officers who were attempting to stop the vehicle in Hartford’s South End. Velez parked in a driveway of a residence on Newbury Street and ran from the car while carrying a duffel bag. After he was apprehended, a detective located the duffel bag in Velez’s path of travel. The bag contained a disassembled Ruger AR 556 semi-automatic rifle, Durham said.

Velez was detained from the date of his arrest until Apr. 2, 2019, when he was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents, in Jan. 2020, law enforcement received information that Velez was involved in ongoing criminal activity, including the distribution of narcotics. On Jan. 28, 2020, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 20 bags of fentanyl from Velez in Hartford, Durham said.

On Jan. 29, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, stemming from his arrest in Nov. 2018.