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Press Release

Hamden Man Indicted on Federal Firearm and Narcotics Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a four-count indictment charging CLEMENTE HOLMES, also known as “Cavali” and “Vali,” 29, of Hamden with firearm and narcotics offenses.

The indictment was returned on March 28.  Holmes appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Holmes at his Goodrich Street residence.  On January 22, 2019, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Holmes’ residence and seized distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun.  Holmes was arrested on state charges on that date.

In February 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Holmes, who had posted bond after his state arrest.

Holmes was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 26, 2019.  At the time of Holmes’ arrest, a search of his residence revealed more heroin packaged for distribution.

It is further alleged that, in 2012, Holmes was convicted in state court of sale of narcotics and possession pistol without a permit.

The indictment charges Holmes with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries maximum term of life imprisonment.

Holmes has been detained since his federal arrest.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the East Haven, Hamden and New Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

Updated April 10, 2019

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Firearms Offenses
Project Safe Neighborhoods