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Press Release

New Haven Man Sentenced To 21 Months In Federal Prison For Distributing Marijuana

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut
 
January 8, 2013

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BERNARD BYRD, also known as “BB” and “Chip,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing marijuana.

BYRD is one of 108 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearms.

The investigation revealed that in September 2011, BYRD conspired with others to purchase and redistribute between five and 10 kilograms of marijuana.

BYRD was on state probation at the time of the offense.

BYRD has been detained since his arrest on May 22, 2012.  On October 16, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided invaluable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

Updated April 26, 2023