New Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RUBEN GARCIA, 34, of Middletown Avenue, New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine. Judge Underhill also imposed a $5,000 fine. On August 28, 2009, GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter stems from an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation dubbed “Operation Brass Deal,” which was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force in New Haven. As a result of the investigation, a total of 16 individuals have been charged with various narcotics offenses related to the large-scale distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and oxycodone in New Haven, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, and other towns in New Haven County. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than $75,000 in cash, more than one kilogram of cocaine, and approximately 750 grams of crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 1, 2009, GARCIA was arrested after accepting delivery of approximately 500 grams of cocaine, which he intended to distribute.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Ansonia Police Department, the Milford Police Department, the East Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Robert M. Spector.