Two Bridgeport Men Convicted of Federal Cocaine and Crack Conspiracy Charges
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 13, 2009 |
Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two individuals pleaded guilty last week in Bridgeport federal court to cocaine and crack cocaine charges stemming from “Operation G-Force,” a joint law enforcement investigation into Bridgeport-area narcotics trafficking headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force.
On October 8, 2009, JUAN ORTIZ, also known as “Nano,” 31, formerly of Tom Thumb Street, Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). On October 9, 2009, JOSE BATISTA, also known as “Gordo,” 33, formerly of Black Rock Avenue, Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The year-long investigation that led to the indictment of ORTIZ, BATISTA, and 26 other individuals included the use of court-authorized wiretaps; controlled purchases and controlled deliveries of cocaine, crack and heroin; and physical surveillance. From approximately January 2002 to February 2009, George Sanchez headed a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring operating in Bridgeport. Using the U.S. Mail and other shipping services, Sanchez had, on average, two kilograms of cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to various residences in Bridgeport each week. The cocaine was wrapped and secreted inside electronic devices such as VCRs, clothing, and other items. Once the packages were received in Bridgeport, Sanchez and his associates would process some of the cocaine into crack cocaine, and package the cocaine and crack cocaine for distribution to other narcotics traffickers in the Bridgeport area.
According to statements made in court, ORTIZ was a trusted Sanchez associate who received shipments of cocaine in Bridgeport at Sanchez’s direction. In addition, ORTIZ trafficked substantial quantities of crack cocaine with other members of the Sanchez organization.
BATISTA served as an alternative supplier of cocaine for members of the Sanchez organization. As part of his guilty plea, BATISTA agreed to forfeit a gray 2008 Toyota Avalon and $1,770 in cash.
On September 25, 2009, Sanchez pled guilty to conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine after hearing three days of evidence at his own trial. To date, 21 individuals have been convicted of charges stemming from their participation in this narcotics distribution conspiracy.
ORTIZ and BATISTA are scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall on December 29 and December 30, respectively. Each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $8 million. Both have been detained since their arrests on February 4, 2009, and February 22, 2009, respectively.
This matter was investigated by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of federal agents and state and local officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Fairfield, Trumbull and Norwalk Police Departments. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and Peter Markle.