United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FEDERAL JURY FINDS NORWICH MAN GUILTY OF SELLING CRACK COCAINE

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RICHARD ROWELL, also known as “Skitch,” 31, of Norwich, guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  The trial before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on Monday, April 26, and the jury returned the verdict this morning.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, which included recorded phone calls and covert video and audio recordings, on April 10, 2009, in Norwich, ROWELL sold approximately 96 grams of crack cocaine to two individuals working with law enforcement.  The video recordings included statements by ROWELL discussing how he had converted, or “cooked,” the crack from powder cocaine.

Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2010, at which time ROWELL faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a fine of up to $4 million.

This matter stems from “Operation New London Bloods,” a  joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, New London Police Department, Waterford Police Department, and the State of Connecticut’s Department of Correction and Office of Adult Probation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan and Senior Assistant States Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London States Attorney’s Office, who has been cross-designated as Special Assistant United States Attorney in this matter.

CONTACT:

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