Project Safe Neighborhoods: New Haven Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison on Firearms and Drug Charges

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE ARLINE, 30, formerly of

Peck Street

in New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release. ARLINE previously pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2008, law enforcement officers observed ARLINE engaging in what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction on

Farren Avenue

in New Haven. After confirming that ARLINE had sold marijuana to a drug customer, officers arrested him and searched his vehicle. That search resulted in the seizure of 24 baggies containing crack cocaine, 10 baggies of marijuana and a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver.

ARLINE has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Ansonia Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the East Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.

This prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, a program that is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.