West Haven Woman Involved in Narcotics Distribution Ring is Sentenced

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARLISA RODRIGUEZ, 30, of Meadowbrook Court, West Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to five years of probation, the first 12 months of which RODRIGUEZ must spend in home confinement under electronic monitoring, for her participation in a New Haven-area narcotics distribution ring. RODRIGUEZ also was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service each year while on probation. On August 27, 2009, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

This matter stems from an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force 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 17 individuals were 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, MARLISA RODRIGUEZ is the wife of Roberto Rodriguez, also known as “Tito,” who was a lead target of the investigation. Over a six-month period during the course of the investigation, Roberto Rodriguez was involved in the purchase and distribution of more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and 373 grams of crack cocaine. Between February and April 2009, MARLISA RODRIGUEZ was involved in the distribution of between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine.

Roberto Rodriguez pleaded guilty to cocaine and crack cocaine distribution offenses and, on November 3, 2009, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

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 Robert M. Spector and Christopher M. Mattei.