U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery | U.S. Department of Justice
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a jury in Bridgeport federal court has found Luis Salaman, also known as "Bebe," 42, and Jesus Seguinot, also known as "Chuchi," 34, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses. The trial took place before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill starting on December 9, with the jury delivering guilty verdicts on multiple counts late yesterday afternoon.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force discovered Salaman's involvement in distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. The investigation revealed that Salaman collaborated with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators conducted several controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates.
The jury found Salaman and Seguinot guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Additionally, Salaman was found guilty on three counts related to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. However, the jury acquitted Salaman on four counts and Seguinot on one count related to possession with intent to distribute and distribution charges involving fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 13. At sentencing, Salaman faces a minimum imprisonment term of ten years due to enhanced penalties stemming from a prior conviction for a serious violent felony. Seguinot faces at least five years in prison.
Salaman has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022. Meanwhile, Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, but is currently released on a $100,000 bond.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force comprising members from various law enforcement agencies including the FBI itself; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; as well as police departments from New Haven; Milford; East Haven; West Haven; and Wallingford. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang.
