Head of New Haven Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Joseph Jackson, also known as “Mighty” and “M.I.,” 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 300 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating an extensive New Haven narcotics trafficking ring.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted in 2010 by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Hamden Police Department. Through the use of court-authorized wiretaps, investigating officers identified and dismantled a large drug trafficking organization that was headed by Jackson and centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden. At the time, Jackson was one of the principal suppliers of crack cocaine in and around New Haven. The investigation revealed that Jackson purchased multiple kilograms of cocaine from various sources of supply and then converted a large majority of the cocaine into crack cocaine. Jackson then provided distribution quantities of crack to others who sold it on his behalf and gave the proceeds to Jackson. At times, Jackson sold crack and powder cocaine to his own customers.

Forty-seven individuals were charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses as a result of this investigation. All have been convicted.

“This significant sentence is appropriate for a defendant who operated a massive crack cocaine distribution network in New Haven, and whose multiple prior drug trafficking convictions failed to deter him from criminal behavior,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “Hopefully, this sentence will serve as a warning to others: drug trafficking will not be ignored, and the federal penalties, especially for repeat offenders, are severe. I thank the FBI and DEA task forces and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments for their cooperation and terrific investigative efforts.”

Jackson’s criminal history includes seven state drug trafficking felony convictions.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.

Jackson was arrested on October 28, 2010. On that date, federal agents executed search warrants at various locations, including Jackson’s residence on Winchester Avenue in New Haven and a West Haven apartment that Jackson used to process, store, and package narcotics. A search of the Winchester Avenue residence revealed a Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, crack cocaine and cash. A search of the West Haven apartment revealed one kilogram of cocaine, 150 grams of crack packaged for distribution, multiple cell phones, drug packaging materials, and cash.

As part of his sentence, Judge Burns ordered Jackson to forfeit two automobiles, two motorcycles, and approximately $72,325.

On February 1, 2013, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, Milford, and Hamden Police Departments and the Connecticut Department of Correction), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, West Haven, Meriden, Ansonia, Hamden, and Branford Police Departments), along with substantial participation by members of the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service also has assisted the investigation.

The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Robert M. Spector.