Two Hartford-Area Men Charged with Heroin Trafficking Offenses

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JOSE CARRASQUILLO, also known as “Pete,” 31, of Wethersfield, and DWAYNE THOMPSON, 32, of West Hartford, with heroin trafficking offenses. The indictment also charges THOMPSON with illegally possessing a firearm.

As alleged in court documents, in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that CARRASQUILLO was interested in acquiring heroin to distribute. In August, CARRASQUILLO agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier. On August 22, CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON, arriving in separate vehicles, met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction. THOMPSON was arrested on that date after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash. CARRASQUILLO, who fled at a high rate of speed and was able to elude capture, surrendered to law enforcement on August 24.

The indictment charges CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Both of these charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of life. The indictment also charges THOMPSON with one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the cash and firearm seized at the time of THOMPSON’s arrest.

CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON are released on bonds in the amounts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment 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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.

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