Two Men Sentenced for Roles in Hartford-Area Narcotics Distribution Ring

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced yesterday, January 6, by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven for their participation in a Hartford-area narcotics trafficking ring.

FERNANDO VAZQUEZ, also known as “Cano,” 44, of Allen Place, Hartford, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. On October 1, 2009, VAZQUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of cocaine.

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ, 41, of Madison Street, Manchester, was sentenced to more than seven months of imprisonment, time served, followed by three years of supervised release. On October 2, 2009, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. RODRIGUEZ had been detained since May 19, 2009.

This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Victor Esteves was a member of the Almighty Latin King Nation (“Latin Kings”) who controlled the drug trade primarily in the area of Arnold Street in Hartford. Both VAZQUEZ and RODRIGUEZ purchased cocaine from Esteves, which they sold to their own customers. The investigation revealed that VAZQUEZ also was a member of the Latin Kings.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.