Hartford Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Ring

January 28, 2010 - Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS REYES, also known as “Ali,” 30, of Arnold Street, Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his participation in a narcotics trafficking ring. On November 4, 2009, REYES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Victor Esteves was a member of the Almighty Latin King Nation (“Latin Kings”) who controlled the drug trade primarily in the area of Arnold Street in Hartford. REYES, who was not a Latin King member, served as a “right-hand man” to Esteves. Wiretapped communications revealed that, typically, a drug customer would contact Esteves directly and negotiate the price and quantity. Esteves would then call REYES, instruct him to prepare and arrange delivery of the requested narcotics, and advise him of the customer’s name and price. Esteves would then direct the customer to REYES’ residence on Arnold Street to pay for and receive the narcotics.

REYES has been detained since his arrest on state narcotics charges on December 10, 2008. The state charges in Hartford Superior Court are pending.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.