A federal grand jury in Hartford has indicted Jose Baret, 33, of Hartford, on three counts related to narcotics trafficking. The announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.
The indictment was returned on January 29, 2025. Baret appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against him. He has been detained since May 23, 2024, following his arrest in Lebanon, New Hampshire on separate charges.
Court documents and statements indicate that Baret was initially arrested on state charges on April 10, 2024. A search conducted at that time revealed a distribution quantity of fentanyl in his vehicle and hotel room. Further searches at his residence on Goodrich Street in Hartford uncovered quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Baret faces two counts of possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl and one count involving possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine along with other drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Each charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and could lead to a maximum term of up to 40 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman emphasized that an indictment is merely an accusation and does not constitute evidence of guilt: "Charges are only allegations," he stated, "and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation into this matter is being carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone is prosecuting the case.
