Kenny Laporte, 39, of Hartford, has been charged by indictment with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses, federal authorities announced on May 5.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to address narcotics trafficking and illegal firearm possession in Connecticut. Authorities allege that Laporte distributed large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs in the Hartford area while using a residence on Amity Street to store narcotics.
According to court documents, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Laporte in April and May 2025. When Laporte was arrested on May 29, 2025, law enforcement searched the Amity Street residence and found approximately 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, along with cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, nine handguns, ammunition, jewelry, $21,000 in cash at the location and an additional $1,675 on his person. Officials say Laporte has prior felony convictions for narcotics, firearms and assault offenses.
A grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against Laporte on April 28. The charges include five counts related to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—each carrying up to twenty years imprisonment—one count involving larger amounts of fentanyl that carries a mandatory minimum ten-year sentence up to life imprisonment if convicted; as well as unlawful possession of firearms by a felon which could result in up to fifteen years imprisonment.
David X. Sullivan said: "An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Laporte pleaded not guilty during his appearance in Hartford federal court and was released on $100,000 bond pending trial.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel is prosecuting the case as part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration networks and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes—including those involving narcotics—and manages civil cases for the United States within Connecticut from offices located in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport while employing about 68 assistant attorneys and 57 support staff members; it operates under the U.S. Department of Justice as one of its oldest prosecutorial offices since its establishment in 1789 according to the official website.
