Two New Haven Men Found Guilty of Fentanyl Trafficking Offenses

NEW HAVEN, CT —A federal court jury convicted two New Haven men of trafficking fentanyl Friday, according to Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.

The jury returned guilty verdicts for Luis Salaman, 42, and Jesus Seguinot, 34, on multiple counts of a superseding indictment, the federal prosecutor said.

According to Avery, the evidence presented during the trial, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven.

Avery said the investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl, and between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from both men and their associates.

Salaman and Seguinot were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman was found guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The jury found Salaman not guilty of four counts, and Seguinot not guilty of one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Avery said.

When sentenced March 13, Salaman faces t least 10 years, and Seguinot faces at least five years in federal prison, per the U.S. Attorney. Salaman faces enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony, she noted.

Salaman has been detained since his arrest April 5, 2022. Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang.