Hartford Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Federal Prison: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man convicted of trafficking fentanyl has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison, according to federal prosecutors.

Tyshawn Coleman, 36, also known as “Ty” and “Mazi" and formerly of New Britain, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford to 6.75 years (81 months) in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan said in a statement released Wednesday, May 27.

Judge Michael P. Shea imposed a 57-month sentence for fentanyl distribution charges and an additional consecutive 24-month sentence for violating the conditions of supervised release tied to a prior federal conviction.

Federal authorities said an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force found that Coleman and his brother, Troy Coleman, sold fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford.

Investigators conducted five controlled purchases of fentanyl from Troy Coleman in late 2020, totaling about 900 dose bags, according to court documents.

Authorities said Troy Coleman was later shot multiple times outside a restaurant on Main Street in Hartford on April 13, 2021, while allegedly in possession of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

He survived the shooting and was released from the hospital about a week later.

The investigation later focused on Tyshawn Coleman, who sold fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer in April and May 2021, prosecutors said.

On May 5, 2021, investigators searched Coleman’s apartment on Sisson Avenue in Hartford.

Authorities said they recovered fentanyl and crack cocaine packaged for distribution, drug-processing materials, two firearms — including a .40 caliber “ghost gun” with a loaded high-capacity magazine — ammunition and $4,860 in cash.

Troy Coleman was arrested later that day on unrelated charges, while Tyshawn Coleman remained a fugitive until his arrest on July 16, 2025.

Coleman pleaded guilty Jan. 21, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.

Federal prosecutors said Coleman’s criminal history includes convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to first-degree assault, first-degree assault, sale of a controlled substance and a 2020 federal firearm conviction that resulted in a 46-month prison sentence.

Troy Coleman, also known as “Hoy” and “TJ,” previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 67 months in prison.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe prosecuted the case.

For information on the case, click on this link.