Two Hartford Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Drug Trafficking Ring

April 20, 2010 - Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two Hartford men were sentenced today in Bridgeport to prison terms for their involvement in a Hartford-area narcotics trafficking ring.

CARLOS CRUZ, also known as “Carlos Cruz Rivera” and “Gordo,” 39, of Madison Street, Hartford, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On September 28, 2009, CRUZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

CANDIDO ROMERO, 52, of Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, was sentenced by Judge Eginton to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release. On January 5, 2010, ROMERO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 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, CRUZ distributed drugs to customers, and collected drug proceeds from customers, on behalf of Reynaldo Laureano, who controlled the drug trade in the area of Broad Street and Madison Street in Hartford. Between September and November 2008, CRUZ was intercepted multiple times over a wiretap discussing the distribution of heroin and cocaine with Laureano.

ROMERO was intercepted over a wiretap ordering cocaine from a co-conspirator both for himself and for distribution to others.

On January 22, 2010, Laureano was sentenced to 97 months of imprisonment.

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.