Report by Paula Antolini
February 10, 2017 11:33AM EDT
Statewide Narcotics Task Force Seize Narcotics, Cash, Following Hartford Narcotics Investigation
Middletown, CT. (February 3, 2017): The Statewide Narcotics Task Force -North Central Office (SNTF-N), which is comprised of detectives from the Connecticut State Police, West Hartford Police Department, Hartford Police Department and East Windsor Police Department, in conjunction with the SNTF-East Office, Hartford Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Agency made several arrests and seized a large quantity of narcotics and cash following a narcotics investigation.
On January 31, 2017 SNTF -N, SNTF-E, Hartford Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Agency concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation with the execution of Search and Seizure warrants at 12-14 South St. in Hartford.
SNTF detectives arrested Richard Fred Rivera (dob 7/19/82) of 12-14 South Street on the strength of three arrest warrants for Possession of Narcotics and Sale of Narcotics. Upon his arrest Rivera was found to be in possession of approximately 1,000 bags of heroin.
Additionally, two search warrants were executed on a motor vehicle and a residence located at 12-14 South Street, Apt. C-1 in Hartford. Upon execution of the initial search warrants, SNTF detectives came into contact with Yashira Espino (dob 5/13/91) and Richard Rolon (dob 1/09/89) who were found to be in possession of approximately 100 bags of heroin. Through the course of the investigation a search was granted at an additional residence located at 114 Newfield Street in Hartford, and from there two more search warrants for issued the adjacent apartments, apt. C-2 and C-4. All locations were eventually linked to the three arrested parties.
The total seized items from all search warrants and arrests were approximately 1,265 grams (over one kilo or approximately 12,000 bags) of heroin/fentanyl, approximately 1,134 grams (over one kilo) of marijuana, 107 grams of crack cocaine, approximately $45,000.00 in cash, packaging materials and cutting agents, and a 2006 Lexus sedan.
Rivera was charged with multiple counts of Possession of Narcotics and Sale of Narcotics and was held on a combined bond of $600,000.00. Espino and Rolon were held on $150,000.00 bond each for Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Marijuana, and Risk of Injury to a Minor. All parties were presented at Hartford Superior Court on February 1, 2017.
(Rivera in black shirt.)
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