Gang Member Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl and Crack in East Hartford

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RESTREPO, also known as “Crack Baby,” 39, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.  Judge Meyer also ordered Restrepo to serve the first six months his supervised release in home confinement.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force has been investigating drug trafficking and related criminal acts being committed by members and associates of the Los Solidos and Latin Kings street gangs.  Restrepo is a member of Los Solidos.  The investigation revealed that Restrepo and other gang members were distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford and surrounding communities.  In March 2020, law enforcement learned that Restrepo was feuding with other members of Los Solidos and was selling narcotics in East Hartford.  Investigators subsequently made three controlled purchases of crack and one controlled purchase of fentanyl from Restrepo in East Hartford.

Restrepo was arrested on March 17, 2020.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 200 bags of fentanyl.

Restrepo has been detained since his arrest.  On August 12, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Restrepo’s criminal history includes drug and firearm convictions, including a 2007 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.