United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Federal Drug "Demand Reduction" Initiative: TWO SENTENCED FOR COCAINE POSSESSION

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO ORTIZ, age 33, of 92 Waverly Avenue, Milford, Connecticut; and ALEX BARREIRO, age 31, of 1141 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, were sentenced today by United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport. On April 7, 2004, both ORTIZ and BARREIRO pleaded guilty to federal cocaine possession charges.

ORTIZ and BARREIRO each received a sentence of one year of probation and fined $1,000. Both were also ordered to pay for the cost of investigation and prosecution of the case in the sum of $500, to pay a special assessment of $25, and to make a charitable contribution to the B.J. Brown Memorial Fund in the sum of $130.00, which is the average amount ORTIZ and BARREIRO expended each time they purchased cocaine. Judge Fitzsimmons further ordered both ORTIZ and BARREIRO to undergo substance abuse counseling and to bear the expense of such counseling.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that ORTIZ and BARREIRO were arrested in March 2004 as part of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration together with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force. That investigation focused on significant drug traffickers operating in the greater Bridgeport area. In the course of that investigation, significant evidence was collected concerning persons who purchased drugs from these distributors.

These prosecutions are being brought by federal authorities in an effort to quell the demand for drugs. U.S. Attorney O'Connor noted and documents filed with the Court reflect that ORTIZ was employed by the United States Postal Service and BARREIRO was employed as a state corrections officer at the time of the offenses.

During today's sentencing proceeding, ORTIZ stated that he has had a drug problem for the past ten years and that he has made attempts at rehabilitation, but has relapsed each time. ORTIZ noted that he has not used illegal drugs since the date of his arrest and is committed to remaining sober. ORTIZ stated that his "arrest and prosecution embarrassed his family, his friends and himself and put his family in financial jeopardy because it caused him to lose his job with the United States Postal Service."

Judge Fitzsimmons commended ORTIZ's efforts to address his drug problem on his own between the time of his arrest and the date of sentencing.

BARREIRO also stated that he has remained sober since the date of his arrest, and the United States Probation Office reported that he has remained compliant with every condition of his release. Judge Fitzsimmons noted the numerous letters written in support by BARREIRO's friends and family, and the number of family members present in court for the sentencing proceedings.

"Federal law enforcement authorities have long focused their attention on those who sell drugs, but sufficient effort has not been expended on addressing those who make the market for the dealers," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "While dealers are convicted and sent away for decades, drug buyers often remain unprosecuted and unpunished. These prosecution and others like it should send a message to those who may be inclined to buy and possess drugs – the risks are simply not worth it."

Bridgeport Police Chief Wilbur Chapman added, "We welcome the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office and federal law enforcement authorities to help send the message to people who come into our City from the suburbs for the purpose of buying drugs: Don't create the market and bring all the attendant ills of drug trafficking into our City."

"It is fitting that money that was to be used to buy drugs are being put to a constructive purpose that will honor the memory of a child who was a victim of the insidious evil of drugs and drug trafficking," U.S. Attorney O'Connor said.

The B.J. Brown Memorial Fund was established to honor the memory of Leroy Brown who was a witness to a drug-related shooting and was later murdered. Monies donated to the B.J. Brown Memorial Fund are used to improve and maintain a park in Bridgeport.

These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Stamford Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force. These cases are prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James I. Glasser.

CONTACT:

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