Willimantic heroin trafficker sentenced to five years in federal prison
HARTFORD, Conn. – DEA New England Division Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle and United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut John H. Durham announced that Xavier Diaz, also known as “Coco,” 30, of Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2018, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and Willimantic Police Department, while investigating a heroin/fentanyl overdose death that occurred in August 2017, received information that Diaz was operating a heroin distribution ring in Willimantic. The investigation revealed that drug purchasers called a phone shared by members of the conspiracy to place an order for heroin. Thereafter, a “runner” would meet the purchaser to complete the transaction.
The investigation connected the August 2017 overdose death, and several non-fatal overdoses, to drugs distributed by the Diaz organization.
Diaz and other members of his organization were arrested on Oct. 15, 2018. On that date, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed more than 100 grams of heroin, a stolen firearm and ammunition. In addition, a search of a storage unit connected to the organization revealed more than $20,000 in cash.
On Oct. 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
The DEA’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.
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