The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that KYLE PITTS, also known as “Bark,” 27, of Norman Drive, Bloomfield, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine 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 have been charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, PITTS was a member of the “The Ave,” a street gang involved in crimes of violence and which controlled the drug trade along significant portions of Albany Avenue and adjacent neighborhoods in Hartford. In May and June 2010, intercepted communications revealed that PITTS was involved in the distribution of significant quantities of crack cocaine. Intercepted communication also revealed that PITTS both possessed and sold firearms.
On May 18, 2010, PITTS told a co-conspirator that PITTS’ source of supply of narcotics was shot in the head. PITTS explained that his source was shot five times, including “three through the chest and one to the head.” Investigators were able to identify PITTS’ source of supply of narcotics and corroborated that his source was shot, as represented by PITTS.
On May 4, 2011, PITTS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
PITTS has several prior convictions, including multiple convictions related to violence against women. There are currently two active protective orders against PITTS.
PITTS has been detained since his arrest on September 22, 2010.
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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