United
States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut |
March 3, 2004 |
FEDERAL AUTHORITIES DISMANTLE HARTFORD DRUG RING Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Wolf, Special Agent in Charge of the Connecticut Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Mark Pawlina, Acting Chief of the Hartford Police Department, today announced the conclusion of a seven-month investigation that targeted a drug distribution network that supplied cocaine to members of the Savage Nomad street gang and their associates. A total of 14 individuals to date have been arrested and charged with the distribution of cocaine. U.S. Attorney O'Connor indicated that at least one additional arrest is expected. On February 25, 2004, a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford returned a 20-count Indictment against the 15 individuals. U.S. Attorney O'Connor said that the investigation, code named "Operation Close Trim," included federal wiretaps on eight different telephones, months of surveillance, and numerous purchases of cocaine in the vicinity of the Hour Glass Tavern at 1999 Park Street in Hartford. The investigation initially targeted members of the Savage Nomad street gang who distributed cocaine in the south end of Hartford. As a result of this investigation, law enforcement officials executed search warrants for three alleged stash houses and seized over four kilograms of cocaine, approximately ½ of a kilogram of crack cocaine, over $74,000 in cash, an electronic money counter, two loaded hand guns and a Romanian-made, AK-47 style assault rifle with two loaded banana clips. Also, to date, three cars have been seized during the operation. RENE CARRASQUILLO, age 31 (dob 5/11/72), of 164 Adelaide Street, Hartford, has been charged with possession of cocaine and "crack" cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the narcotics charges, he will be subject to term of incarceration of as much as life, a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of 10 years and a fine of as much as $4 million. If convicted on the weapons charge, he will be subject to an additional term of five years that must run consecutively to any sentence of imprisonment imposed on the drug charges. U.S. Attorney O'Connor indicated that the defendants are charged with
being members of drug conspiracy and/or distributing cocaine in Hartford.
He indicated that the conspiracy allegedly provided cocaine to individuals
as far north as Springfield, Massachusetts. CARRASQUILLO and the following
individuals have been charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams
or more of cocaine and, under federal law, they are subject to term of
incarceration of as much as 40 years, a minimum mandatory term of incarceration
of 5 years, and a fine of as much as $2 million: JOHNNY VASQUEZ, a.k.a. "Little Johnny," age 34 (dob
3/22/69) "Thanks to excellent investigative work, this operation was successful in dismantling an organization that distributed cocaine throughout the city of Hartford, to other parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and to members of the Savage Nomads," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. FBI Special Agent in Charge Wolf added "This investigation is another example of how law enforcement agencies working together can rid the streets of individuals poisoning our communities with drugs and violence." "The joint efforts between the FBI and the Hartford Police are designed to reduce the drug trade in Hartford," Acting Hartford Chief Pawlina stated. "The success of this operation represents a step toward that goal. The Hartford Police Department will continue to work in conjunction with federal authorities to prosecute those who commit crimes involving narcotics and firearms." U.S. Attorney O'Connor complimented the FBI, the Hartford Police Department and the Windsor Police Department for their efforts in this case. He stressed that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to fair trials in which it is the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant United States Attorney Raymond F. Miller, who is a member of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, is prosecuting this case. | |
CONTACT: |
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE |
Privacy Policy Home
Copyright© 2003 |