United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NORWICH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRACK COCAINE DISTRIBUTION CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FORREST HEMPSTEAD, also known as “J,” 25, formerly of Raymond Street, Norwich, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2009, law enforcement officers made controlled purchases of crack cocaine from HEMPSTEAD in New London.

Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2010, at which time HEMPSTEAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $2 million.

HEMPSTEAD has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2010.

This matter stems from 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 Felice Duffy as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in Connecticut’s cities.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

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