United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

MERIDEN CRACK DEALER SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRELL PRESTON, 25, of Queen Street, Meriden, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a crack cocaine distribution organization.  On June 23, 2010, PRESTON pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2007 and August 2008, PRESTON and others sold crack cocaine out of a first floor apartment at 246 South Colony Street in Meriden where the organization reportedly distributed up to one kilogram of crack per week.  On February 15, 2008, the DEA Task Force investigating this matter arranged for a controlled purchase of crack cocaine at the South Colony Street location during which the individual making the purchase observed approximately three  to four ounces of crack on the kitchen counter, approximately one dozen “eight-balls” (approximately 3.5 grams each) of crack individually packaged for sale located underneath a refrigerator, and a large amount of cash on the kitchen table.

On March 19, 2008, PRESTON sold approximately 11 grams of crack to the individual working with the DEA Task Force in exchange for $500.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes several local police departments, in conjunction with the Meriden Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William M. Brown, Jr., and S. Dave Vatti.

CONTACT:

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