United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

ANSONIA MAN SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DEALING COCAINE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE BATISTA, also known as “Gordo,” 34, formerly of Hubbell Avenue, Ansonia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for his participation in a Bridgeport-based narcotics trafficking ring.  On October 9, 2009, BATISTA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation G-Force,” a joint law enforcement investigation into Bridgeport-area narcotics trafficking headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force.  The year-long investigation, which led to the federal prosecution of 46 individuals, included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, search warrants, and physical surveillance.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BATISTA at times served as a supplier of cocaine for members of the Sanchez organization.

As part of his sentence,  BATISTA also has been ordered to forfeit a 2008 Toyota Avalon and $1,770 in cash.

This is BATISTA’s fifth felony conviction for narcotics trafficking.

This matter was investigated by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of federal agents and state and local officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Fairfield, Trumbull and Norwalk Police Departments.  This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and S. Dave Vatti.

CONTACT:

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