Shelton Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE BUCHANAN, also known as “Hot Main,” 20, of Shelton, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

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, cocaine and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week. BUCHANAN received heroin from Hanks and sold the drug to his own customer base.

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.

BUCHANAN was arrested December 5, 2013. A search of BUCHANAN’s residence at the time of his arrest revealed a Glock 26 handgun, an empty magazine for another firearm, a quantity of heroin packaged for distribution and five mobile phones.

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

BUCHANAN has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013. On August 13, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Hanks pleaded guilty and, on February 26, 2015, he was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment.

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.