Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and Fentanyl

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD McDANIEL, also known as "Shay," 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and June 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department investigated a drug trafficking organization headed by Robert Harrison, also known as "Firm" and "Lox." During that time, investigators made eight controlled purchases of narcotics from Harrison and his associates, including McDaniel.

On June 20, 2024, law enforcement executed federal search warrants for locations connected to Harrison's organization. A search of Harrison's residence on Frost Road in Waterbury, his auto repair business on Todd Hollow Road in Waterbury, and a recording studio he operated on Woodtick Road in Waterbury, revealed more than 370 grams of cocaine, narcotic pills, four loaded handguns, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and approximately $18,208 in cash. A search of McDaniel's residence on Lone Oak Avenue revealed approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, drug processing and packaging materials, a money counter, and approximately $2,450 in cash. McDaniel was arrested on state charges on that date

McDaniel was arrested on federal charges on October 15, 2024. On December 15, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

McDaniel has been detained since March 20, 2025, when he bond was revoked.

Harrison pleaded guilty and, on August 11, 2025, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.