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Press Release

Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Gang-Related Narcotics Trafficking

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TAFARIE GREEN, also known as “Farie,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for gang-related narcotics trafficking.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of WestHell street gang, and gang-related violent activity.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with GREEN and other associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

GREEN has been detained since April 2014.  On April 24, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  One defendant was convicted after trial and 23 defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.  Scott pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

GREEN’s criminal history includes convictions for assault, robbery, attempted burglary and criminal possession of a firearm.  While previously incarcerated, he received disciplinary tickets for fighting and assault of a guard.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.

Updated February 26, 2016

Topic
Drug Trafficking