Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT MINNIFIELD, also known as “B.O.” and “Slim,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Thompson also ordered MINNIFIELD to perform 100 hours of community service.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. MINNIFIELD and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence. The investigation revealed that MINNIFIELD and others sold crack cocaine in the area of Edgewood Street and Albany Avenue. In June and July 2015, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack from MINNIFIELD.

On September 23, 2016, MINNIFIELD pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

MINNIFIELD’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, including convictions for assault, firearm offenses and sale of narcotics. He was on special parole at the time of this federal offense, and is currently serving the balance of his state sentence. He will begin his federal sentence when he is released from state custody.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.