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Bridgeport Man Who Had Marijuana Growing Operation in His House Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison

U.S. Attorney’s Office February 05, 2010
  • District of Connecticut (203) 821-3700

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLAUDE LEE, also known as “Claude Blaube,” 49, a citizen of Jamaica formerly residing on Pequonnock Street in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for maintaining a drug involved premises. LEE pleaded guilty to the offense on November 19, 2009.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2006, during the execution of a state search warrant of a property LEE owned at 33-35 Hewitt Court in Bridgeport, law enforcement officers found 14 large marijuana plants, several 50-gallon drums filled with water and connected to hoses, commercial grade fans, high-intensity light bulbs and electrical wires that diverted electricity to power the operation. Officers also found cocaine, heroin and $6,567 in cash.

LEE has forfeited the $6,567 in cash that was recovered during the search. He also has pleaded guilty in state court to charges related to theft of electricity used to grow the marijuana, and he has agreed to pay approximately $10,000 in restitution to United Illuminating.

LEE faces deportation proceedings after he completes the federal prison term imposed today.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Dayton, Alina Reynolds, and Peter Markle.

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