New Haven Woman, 61, Gets 3+ Years Prison For Drug Trafficking: Feds

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 61-year-old New Haven woman will spend three and a half years in a federal prison for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney for CT, Vanessa Roberts Avery.

Avery said the case stems from n investigation by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine, and the distribution of heroin and cocaine, in the New Haven area.

According to Avery, court documents and statements made in court, the investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and traffic stops and searches, revealed that Willis Taylor, of West Haven, coordinated the manufacture of counterfeit pills, which he distributed to others for further distribution. The investigation also revealed the distribution of other controlled substances, it was noted in a Justice Department news release.

On Feb. 2, 2023, a court authorized search of a Milford motel room where Fausel was living revealed approximately $94,500 in cash, 832 grams of cocaine, and plastic bags full of hundreds of blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl, Avery said.

Fausel was arrested on March 28, 2023 and on July 10, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, Avery said. Out on bond a $100,000 bond, she's required to report to prison Dec. 16, Avery said.

Fausel, Taylor, and 12 others were federally charged as a result of this investigation and with Taylor having pleaded guilty, he awaits sentencing, Avery said.