New Haven Man Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Crack

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREEMAN LEWIS, also known as “Free,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

LEWIS is one of more than 100 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 LEWIS conspired with others to purchase and redistribute crack cocaine.

On January 17, 2013, LEWIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

LEWIS’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including felony drug convictions.

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 valuable assistance to the investigation.

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

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