The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that RASCELL LEGGETT, also known as “Cell,” 24, formerly of Adams Street, Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute marijuana and other drugs in Hartford.
This matter stems from “Operation Northern Strike,” a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting alleged members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that LEGGETT conspired with others to distribute large quantities of marijuana and, at times, crack cocaine. LEGGETT was intercepted several times over wiretapped phones engaging in extensive drug-related conversations with other members of the conspiracy.
On July 28, 2010, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 157 Adams Street where LEGGETT was living with others and seized 11 firearms from the basement of the residence.
LEGGETT has been detained since his arrest on September 20, 2010.
On April 7, 2011, LEGGETT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
Not all of the defendants charged as a result of this investigation are alleged to be gang members or associates.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force – which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department – and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.
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