Member of Fairfield County Heroin Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison
| U.S. Attorney’s Office January 14, 2009 |
Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE MORALES, also known as “Fat Georgie” and “G,” 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alan H. Nevas in Bridgeport to 336 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his involvement in a Fairfield County heroin trafficking ring. On January 7, 2008, MORALES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, Edwin Sanchez, also known as “Trix,” was the leader of a drug organization that, from 1996 through 2006, provided large amounts of heroin to drug-trafficking gangs based in Bridgeport. Bags of heroin were stamped with unique brand names, such as “Son of Sam,” “Helta Skelta,” “Step It Up,” and “Son of Satan.” MORALES, who was Sanchez’ “right-hand man,” organized and supervised “sessions” in which heroin was processed, packaged, and stamped for street sale. MORALES also managed the day-to-day operations of the organization.
During the investigation, a court-authorized wiretap intercepted hundreds of phone calls between MORALES, Sanchez, other co-defendants and their drug customers. At the time of MORALES’ arrest, a search of his Hollister Street residence revealed a duffel bag containing digital scales with heroin residue, stamps with the Sanchez brands that were used to stamp the heroin baggies, hundreds of small plastic baggies, spoons, and other packaging materials. Also, a loaded gun was recovered from MORALES’ bedroom.
MORALES has several prior convictions, including a federal firearms conviction in 1997.
On September 9, 2008, Sanchez was sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment.
Sanchez, MORALES and several of co-defendants also have forfeited real estate, numerous luxury automobiles, jewelry, and firearms.
Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This matter has been investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Bridgeport Violent Crimes Safe Streets Task Force, consisting of federal agents and local and state officers from the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Norwalk Police Departments. These cases are being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds and Assistant U.S. Attorney Harold H. Chen.