United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FIVE HARTFORD MEN CHARGED WITH DEALING HEROIN

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford has returned a seven-count Indictment charging PABLO VELEZ, also known as "Fat Tito," also known as "Tito," age 29 (d.o.b. 6/19/74), of 51 Monroe Street, Hartford, SEAN THOMPSON, also known as "KC," age 35 (d.o.b. 7/15/68), of 73-A Hanmer Street, East Hartford, Connecticut, JOSE FIGUEROA, also known as "Okie," age 34 (d.o.b. 10/7/69), of 97 Mountford Street, Apartment 1, Hartford, PEDRO RIVERA, Jr., also known as "Pete," age 32 (d.o.b. 2/27/72), of 22 Elliott Street, Apartment 101, Hartford, and AMES SUAREZ, age 34 (d.o.b. 12/19/69), of 249 Putnam Street, Apartment 2, Hartford, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and related heroin trafficking charges.

"This case underscores the federal government's commitment to investigating and prosecuting heroin traffickers in and around Hartford," stated U.S. Attorney O'Connor.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted of the conspiracy count, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum prison term of five years, a maximum prison term of 40 years and a maximum fine of $2 million.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anastasia Enos of the U.S. Attorney's Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov