Former Stamford Resident Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Frank N. Potolicchio, 63, of Monroe, formerly of Stamford, was sentenced on Friday, July 19, by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine. Judge Hall also ordered Potolicchio to forfeit $60,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Potolicchio was the leader of a Stamford-based drug trafficking ring. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that Potolicchio and his co-conspirators acquired cocaine from Florida and sold it in smaller quantities to customers in Fairfield County.

On April 28, 2011, a search of Potolicchio’s Avery Street residence revealed more than 200 grams of cocaine, narcotics packaging material, a 9mm handgun, and approximately $7,158 in cash. An examination of Potolicchio’s computer also revealed records of his cocaine sales and profits.

On April 1, 2013, Potolicchio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The task force is composed of members of the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.