Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” 37, of New Britain, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 235 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring. Two other members of the ring were also sentenced to prison terms earlier this week.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Rosa, who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang, and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.” Rosa, aka “Little,” supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation. “Mo Betta” managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area. At times, “Little” and “Mo Betta” used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.

As a result of the investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles, and jewelry.

“Little” has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2013. A search of his residence on that date revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine packaged for distribution, approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine, and $205,240 in cash. He was ordered to forfeit the cash, as well as a 2006 Porsche Cayenne, a 2007 Lexus GS350, and a 2007 Acura RL.

“Little’s” criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, and he was on state probation after a conviction for distributing narcotics at this time of this offense.

On January 8, 2014, “Little” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

“Mo Betta” pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on April 29, 2014, he was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment. He was also ordered to forfeit $8,767 in cash that was seized from his residence at the time of his arrest, a 2007 Mercedes E550 and a 2006 Harley Davidson XLH1200.

On May 14, 2014, “Little’s” son, Angel Rosa, a.k.a. “Bebo,” 19, of New Britain, was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. “Bebo,” a central figure in the drug trafficking organization, sold heroin and cocaine in the Zion Street area nearly every day during the course of the investigation. “Bebo” also was ordered to forfeit a 2005 Infinity G35 and approximately $811 is cash that was seized from his person on April 11, 2013, when he was arrested.

Also on May 14, 2014, Jared Pennell, 31, of Uncasville, was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Pennell purchased significant quantities of heroin from other members of the conspiracy and then sold the drug to his own customers in southeastern Connecticut. Pennell’s criminal history includes convictions for robbery and assault.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield, and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.