Police: Danbury PAL youth hoops coach charged in drug probe

DANBURY — A Danbury Police Athletic League youth basketball coach and another person were charged last week after an investigation into drug sales throughout the city, officials said.

Samuel Perkins, 33, and 24year-old Kayla Martin, both of Covered Bridge Road in Newtown, were each charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Detective Lt. Mark Williams said Perkins was arrested Dec. 8 after authorities began an investigation into multiple complaints about alleged drug sales throughout the city.

Perkins, according to Williams, served as a Danbury Police Athletic League youth basketball coach. During the probe, investigators saw Perkins leave the Danbury PAL building and make alleged suspected drug transactions, Williams said.

Around 5 p.m. the day of Perkins’ arrest, investigators set up surveillance at the Danbury PAL building and Perkins’ Newtown home. Perkins was seen going into the PAL building around 5:30 p.m. and leaving an hour later Martin. Police said the two live together.

After driving to a local restaurant, Perkins and Martin were detained without incident. Williams said search-and-seizure warrants were executed, leading investigators to a “substantial” amount of money and illegal drugs.