Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR BAHAMONDE, also known as “Dirk,” 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics in Bridgeport.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. The investigation revealed that Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” headed an organization that sold heroin and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week. BAHAMONDE was Hanks’ trusted associate, purchasing bulk heroin for resale, spotting surveillance and helping Hanks cook powder cocaine into crack cocaine base for distribution.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of heroin, one-half kilogram of crack cocaine, approximately $100,000 in cash, three vehicles, jewelry, nine firearms, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition. One of the firearms was an assault-type rifle and four of the firearms were stolen.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Hanks, BAHAMONDE and 12 other individuals with a variety of narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

BAHAMONDE has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013. On November 4, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

BAHAMONDE’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for first-degree robbery. Hanks has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield are assisting this investigation and prosecution. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.