Drug overdose investigation results in 4 arrests

DANBURY — Four people were arrested Wednesday as the result of a monthslong investigation into a drug overdose, according to local police.

Kenny Miliano, 35; Herman Davis, 34; Ariel Cuevas, 34; and Lindsey Salerno were charged with various drug offenses, including four counts of possession of a controlled substance, four counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, Danbury police said Thursday. With the exception of Salerno, a New Milford resident, all four suspects are locals, police said.

In September, a drug overdose was reported to Brookfield authorities, according to Danbury police. While the overdose was not fatal, city spokesperson Erin Henry said, the report inspired “Operation Trinity Café,” an investigation launched by a Brookfield detective and members of the Danbury Police Department’s Special Investigations Division.

During the investigation, Miliano, who has a history of drug trafficking, was identified as the person who supplied the drugs to the overdose victim, according to police. He ran a “localized organization” that included Davis, Cuevas and Salerno, police said.

Early Wednesday morning, Brookfield and Danbury officers executed two warrants for Miliano’s arrest and 18 search-and-seizure warrants at locations that included the homes of Miliano, Davis, Cuevas and Salerno, according to police. They were assisted by Ridgefield police, Newtown police, New Milford police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

Some two pounds of crack cocaine, five ounces of powder cocaine, four pounds of fentanyl, 1.6 pounds of opioid pills and drug paraphernalia were seized as a result of the searches, according to police. Numerous items “believed to be directly related to the profits” of the trafficking organization — jewelry, high-end sneakers and approximately $20,000 in cash — were also seized, police said.

Salerno was released after processing, according to police.

On Thursday afternoon, Miliano’s bond was increased from a total of $1,000,750 to $9 million, Davis’ bond was increased from $750,000 to $1.5 million and Cuevas’ bond was increased from $750,000 to $1.25 million, Henry said.