CT drug dealer gets 5 years in federal prison on gun charges

A Connecticut drug dealer caught trafficking fentanyl has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for weapons possession, officials said.

Kevin Rivera, 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in the part of a drug trafficking crime after pleading guilty. March 11, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

On November 24, 2021, the Waterbury Police Department established surveillance at Rivera's home to prepare for the execution of multiple state search warrants, according to court records.

Investigators allegedly observed Rivera exit his residence and open the doors to several vehicles in the parking lot in front of the building. Rivera then allegedly removed a plastic bag from one of the cars, conducted what appeared to be a drug transaction with an individual and then drove away, according to court records.

“When Rivera returned a short time later and investigators approached him, Rivera dropped a clear plastic bag containing approximately 46 bags of heroin/fentanyl,” officials said.

Rivera was placed under arrest, according to authorities.

Investigators said they seized more than 3,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl, a small amount of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, a Kel Tec Sub-2000 9mm caliber semi-automatic rifle loaded with a obliterated serial number, an armored body armor and other items during searches of Rivera's home and vehicles parked outside his home, officials said.

Rivera has been in custody since his arrest.