David B. Fein, United States Attorney
for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge
of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, today announced that a
federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a 15-count indictment
charging Frank N. Potolicchio, 62, of Stamford; Elliot Chiapetta, 60, of Stamford,
Robert Atkinson, a.k.a. “Bucket,” 30, of Stamford; and Scott Veltri, 32, of New
York City, with various federal narcotics distribution and firearms offenses
stemming from their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking ring that was
responsible for the distribution of cocaine in and around Stamford. In a
related indictment, Thomas Uva, III, 56, of Stamford, is charged with
possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Both indictments were returned on
June 7, and all five defendants were arrested today.
The indictment and today’s arrests are
the culmination of a joint investigation conducted by the FBI Fairfield County
Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The
investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled
purchases, and physical surveillance. Prior to today’s arrests, law enforcement
officers executed multiple search warrants, and seized cocaine and one firearm
from the defendants.
Potolicchio, Chiapetta, Atkinson, and
Veltri are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to
possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. If convicted of
this charge, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of
five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Potolicchio,
Chiapetta, and Atkinson are also charged with distribution and/or possession
with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, which carries a maximum term
of imprisonment of 20 years. In addition, Potolicchio is charged with possession
of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a
mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, to be served
consecutively. UVA is charged with possession with intent to distribute a
quantity of cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that the
charges are not evidence of guilt. The charges are only allegations, and the
defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the
FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police
Department. The task force is composed of members of the FBI, the Internal
Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport
Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.
This matter is being prosecuted by
Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
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