West Haven Man Involved in Cocaine Conspiracy is Sentenced

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX ESPINOZA, 34, of Center Street, West Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to four years of probation, the first nine months of which ESPINOZA must spend in home confinement, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. ESPINOZA also was ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.

This matter stems from an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Brass Deal,” which was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in New Haven. As a result of the investigation, a total of 16 individuals have been charged with various narcotics offenses related to the large-scale distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone in New Haven, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, and other towns in New Haven County. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than $75,000 in cash, more than one kilogram of cocaine, and approximately 750 grams of crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and March 2009, ESPINOZA was involved in the purchase and sale of between 100 and 200 grams of cocaine.

ESPINOZA pleaded guilty to the offense on January 21, 2010.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Ansonia Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the East Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Christopher M. Mattei.