Two Hartford Drug Distributors Sentenced to Federal Prison Terms

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two Hartford men involved in the distribution of narcotics were sentenced this week in federal court.

Anthony Henry, also known as “Tone” and “Mack,” 22, was sentenced on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. Henry also was ordered to perform 200 hours community service.

Moriss Harmon, also known as “Smooth,” 54, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

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, 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, the investigation revealed that Joshua Easterling and Kyshiifa Boyd distributed large quantities of crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford. Henry was identified as a source of supply for Easterling. When Henry was arrested on March 9, 2012, investigators seized approximately 45 bags of heroin and two firearms, a .45 caliber pistol, and a.357 revolver from a locked safe in Henry’s residence.

The investigation further revealed Jaeqwan Sheppard was involved in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford and that Harmon supplied crack to Sheppard until Harmon’s arrest on January 18, 2012. On that date, a search of Harmon’s Collins Street apartment revealed approximately 98 grams of crack.

Henry and Harmon each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Easterling, Boyd, and Sheppard also have pleaded guilty. On May 1, 2013, Sheppard was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment. Easterling and Boyd await sentencing.

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.