Hamden Man Charged With Distributing Fentanyl: Feds

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man has been indicted on federal charges of distributing fentanyl, according to authorities.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment this week charging Darryl Small, 33, with fentanyl distribution offenses, Acting U.S. States Attorney for Connecticut Leonard C Boyle announced.

Small has been detained since Feb. 24 when he was arrested on a criminal complaint.

“The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force began investigating Small after receiving information that he was distributing heroin and fentanyl in and around New Haven,” officials wrote in a news release. “In late 2020 and early 2021, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Small.”

The indictment charges Small with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

The indictment also charges Small with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that typically carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

“The indictment alleges that Small is eligible for an enhanced penalty on this charge because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony, increasing the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment to 10 years and the maximum term of imprisonment of life,” officials write.