New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge Stemming from Investigation into Distribution of "K2"

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patrick Griffin, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that QUENTIN STAGGERS, 47, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to possessing with intent to distribute a synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as “K2.”

This matter stems from a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies into the distribution of K2 on the New Haven Green in July 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2018, investigators conducted a trash pull at Staggers’ Farren Avenue residence and discovered suspected K2 packaging.  The packaging and residue were submitted to the DEA’s forensic laboratory for testing.  The tests confirmed the presence of AMB-FUBINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, which is a Schedule I, federally controlled substance.

Staggers was arrested on August 16, 2018.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2019, at which time Staggers faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Staggers is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.  

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Branford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and William J. Nardini, and Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Roberg.