West Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Distribution, Gun Charges: Feds

WEST HAVEN, CT — A 31-year-old West Haven man has pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution and gun charges, according to officials.

Alton Small, also known as "Poodah," "Tiemare," and "Tie," waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Tuesday in Bridgeport federal court to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut David X. Sullivan announced.

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Prosecutors said a Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven District Office Task Force investigation "identified Small as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl and cocaine in the greater New Haven area," according to a news release.

"The investigation included the seizure of approximately two kilograms of cocaine in Ansonia on January 30, 2025, multiple controlled purchases of narcotics between March and June 2025, and other investigative techniques," officials wrote. "Investigators also connected an overdose death to Small's drug trafficking activity."

Small was arrested on June 18, 2025.

On that date, officials said investigators "searched several locations connected to Small and seized more than one kilogram of powder cocaine, more than 150 grams of crack cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, two loaded firearms, and additional ammunition."

Small was arrested by West Haven Police on Aug. 20, while he was released on bond, on narcotics possession and distribution charges, according to officials.

Small pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Small, who is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17, faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, according to officials.

Officials said Small's bond was revoked on Tuesday and he is detained pending sentencing.