Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced To More Than Five Years In Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VASHAWN RAY, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End.  As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.  RAY sold crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.

RAY has been detained since his arrest on May 8, 2012.  On December 12, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

RAY’s criminal history includes a conviction for robbery in the first degree stemming from RAY’s robbing a victim at gunpoint.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov