Three Hartford Men Charged with Distributing Heroin

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RONALD PEREZ, 28, BYRON RIVERA, 26, and MARCUS TYSON, 30, all of Hartford, have been arrested and charged by criminal complaints with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin.

As alleged is court documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2016, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, including the Hartford and East Hartford Police Departments, executed a state search warrant at an apartment at 50 Forest Street in Hartford.  PEREZ, RIVERA and TYSON were encountered in living room of the apartment.  A search of the apartment revealed approximately 50,000 bags of heroin, approximately 300 grams of unpackaged heroin, three fentanyl patches, scales and other items used in the processing and packaging of heroin, and two handguns.

PEREZ, RIVERA and TYSON appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and were ordered detained.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.