Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO BONILLA, also known as “J,” 20, of Brownell Street, Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a narcotics trafficking ring. On September 1, 2009, BONILLA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Solid Gold,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 55 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and heroin in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that BONILLA was member of member of Almighty Latin King Nation (“Latin Kings”) who controlled the drug trade in the area of Brownell Street in Hartford. In June and July 2008, and individual working with law enforcement made three controlled purchases of cocaine from BONILLA. Intercepted phone calls and other evidence developed during the investigation revealed that BONILLA received cocaine from other members of the conspiracy, and sold the cocaine to a network of dealers who distributed it to their own customers in Hartford and surrounding towns.

The investigation further revealed that BONILLA possessed firearms and was allegedly involved in other crimes of violence, including a July 16, 2008 retaliation shooting of members of Los Solidos, which occurred on Affleck Street in Hartford and resulted in the wounding of at least six individuals, including a 13-year-old boy. BONILLA also has been charged by the State with three counts of assault in the first degree, one count of risk of injury to a child, carrying a pistol without a permit and attempt to commit assault in the first degree, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident at a baby shower in West Hartford on October 18, 2008.

BONILLA has been detained since April 20, 2009.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Statewide Cooperative Crime Control Task Force of the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department, with assistance from the Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force of the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut State Police, Troop H, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.