Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARCADIO DONES, also known as “Gordo,” 45, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement received information that Dones was distributing fentanyl from a restaurant parking lot in Hartford’s North Meadows neighborhood.  On three occasions in September 2018, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Dones.

Dones was arrested on September 27, 2018.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, a drug ledger, numerous items used in the processing and packaging of narcotics for street sale, $2,110 in cash, and other items.  Investigators also seized more than $2,200 in cash from Dones’ person and vehicle.

Dones’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics, firearm, aggravated battery, robbery and larceny offenses.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Dones pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2020.

Dones has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.