Hartford Man Involved in Crack Distribution Ring Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Eric Gomes, also known as “Goober Dust,” 46, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine in Hartford.

This matter stems from Operation Vinefield, a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gomes and others conspired to distribute crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford.

Gomes’ criminal history includes 14 felony convictions. On November 28, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.