Vanessa Roberts Avery, the 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 was presided over by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill and began on December 9. The jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts of a superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that in October 2021, the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force discovered Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven. The investigation showed that Salaman collaborated with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators conducted multiple 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 of 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 concerning possession with intent to distribute and distribution charges.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 13. At sentencing, Salaman faces a minimum imprisonment term of ten years due to enhanced penalties 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 conducted 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; and police departments from New Haven; Milford; East Haven; West Haven; and Wallingford. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang are prosecuting this case.