Three Men Charged with Drug and Firearm Offenses After FBI Hartford Gang Task Force Investigation
| U.S. Attorney’s Office February 05, 2013 |
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 17-count indictment today charging Vincent Nelson, also known as “June,” 27, of Hartford; Steven Granger, 27, of Hartford; and Hector Alfonso, 31, of East Hartford, with various narcotics distribution and firearms possession offenses.
The matter stems from an investigation led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The indictment alleges that between November 2012 and January 2013, Nelson, Granger, and Alfonso conspired to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). The indictment also charges Nelson and Granger with multiple counts and Alfonso with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, various quantities of crack cocaine. Nelson is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In addition, the indictment charges Nelson with possessing three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Granger is also charged with one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon.
Nelson, Granger, and Alfonso have been detained since their arrests on January 23, 2013. On that date, court-authorized searches of Nelson’s residence at 2 Warner Street Extension and Granger’s residence at 52 Elliott Street resulted in the seizure of three handguns, assorted ammunition, body armor, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 170 grams of cocaine, and more than $45,000 in cash.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the seized firearms, ammunition, and cash, as well as two vehicles.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.