New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics Distribution Offenses

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JERRARD SANTIAGO, 43, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to narcotics distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this investigation began after an individual who had purchased narcotics in a restroom of the Mohegan Sun Casino on May 18, 2021, overdosed on the casino floor and died approximately 11 days later.  On February 3, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and heroin from Santiago.  On February 14, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and cocaine from Santiago.

Santiago pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 22.

Santiago has been detained since his arrest on March 30, 2023.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mohegan Tribal Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Christopher W. Schmeisser.