Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gang-Related Drug Sales

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA JENKINS, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford.  Investigators determined that a significant amount of the gun violence was committed by members of two groups, the DUMOUTS and the Hoodstars.

Between July and September 2019, investigators made three controlled purchases of fentanyl, followed by three controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack, from Jenkins.  It is alleged that Jenkins has been a member of the DUMOUTS.

Jenkins was arrested on September 13, 2019.  On July 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).

Jenkins has been detained since January 25, 2021, after he violated the conditions of his release and his bond was revoked.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.