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Man Caring For Toddler Charged With Drug Dealing In Area

A weekslong investigation into drug sales throughout the Danbury area led to the arrest of a 25-year-old man who was caring for a 20-month-old child when he was apprehended, police said.

Ryan Santos

Ryan Santos

Photo Credit: Danbury Police Department

The man, Ryan Santos of New Milford, was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 14 for a variety of drug offenses after members of the Special Investigations Division and Patrol executed a search and seizure warrant issued for his person, car and phone.

Because he was caring for the toddler at the time of his arrest, he was also charged with risk of injury to a child, Danbury Police said.

The investigation was initiated after investigators received citizen complaints regarding Santos’ illegal activity, according to police.

Based on a further investigation, which revealed activity consistent with drug trafficking, the superior court issued the search warrants.

Investigators established a surveillance of Santos and his vehicle. At approximately 1 p.m., after watching him engage in suspicious activity, he was followed to a local bank. 

As he approached the teller in the drive-thru, he was apprehended before he was able to make a transaction. It was at that time investigators noticed the toddler in a child safety seat, located in the rear passenger area, police said.

During a subsequent search of Santos and his car, he was found to be in possession of heroin packaged for sale, a substantial amount of U.S. currency and drug paraphernalia.

Santos was placed under arrest and transported to the police department where he was processed for the listed offenses and held for a cash bond.

The vehicle was later towed from the area and the toddler was turned over to the care of DCF.

Santos was charged with the following:

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell (1/2 oz of heroin)
  • Poss. of drug paraphernalia
  • Risk of injury to a child

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