Indictment Charges Waterbury Man with Crack Cocaine Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging MIGUEL TORRES, 38, of Waterbury, with various offenses related to his alleged trafficking of crack cocaine.

As alleged in court documents, law enforcement conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine from TORRES between February and May 2018.

TORRES was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 8, 2018.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 51 grams of crack cocaine and other controlled substances.

The indictment charges TORRES with one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  TORRES also is charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

TORRES has been detained since his arrest.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.