Waterbury Drug Ring Leaders Sentenced to 13, 5 Years Federal Prison

Ricardo Verdejo, a 27-year-old Waterbury man, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his involvement in a violent carjacking and drug trafficking ring. Verdejo participated in the assault of two men mistakenly accused of stealing two ATVs from a residence where he lived, using an assault-style rifle to threaten and strike the victims before stealing their vehicle. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury. Verdejo's arrest was part of a broader investigation into two drug trafficking organizations in Waterbury, which led to the seizure of large quantities of crack cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, ammunition, and cash. Separately, Angel Quiros, also from Waterbury and known as “Papa John,” was sentenced to over five years in prison for heading a street-level drug trafficking organization linked to the same investigation, with significant narcotics and firearms seized from his operation. Both Verdejo and Quiros were convicted for their roles in interconnected drug trafficking networks operating in Waterbury neighborhoods.