Hartford Man Charged with Distributing Heroin and Crack

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEFTY RODRIGUEZ, 24, of Hartford, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

The charge stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

The indictment, which was returned on July 19, 2017, alleges that RODRIGUEZ sold heroin and crack cocaine between June 2015 and September 2015.

RODRIGUEZ appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.