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Press Release

West Haven Men Involved In Cocaine Distribution Ring Are Sentenced

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two West Haven residents involved in a cocaine distribution conspiracy were sentenced yesterday in Hartford federal court.  U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson sentenced HERNAN VARON-RAMIREZ, also known as “Carlos,” 44, to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and RODRIGO ROMAN, also known as “Bobby,” 41, to approximately 25 months of imprisonment, time already served, and four years of supervised release.

This matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force investigation that targeted a cocaine distribution organization that was headed by VARON-RAMIIREZ and his associates.  The investigation employed several law-enforcement techniques, including the use of confidential informants, controlled purchases of cocaine, physical surveillance and the use of court-authorized wiretaps on cellular telephones utilized by members of the conspiracy.

The investigation revealed that VARON-RAMIREZ, ROMAN and others obtained large quantities of cocaine from sources of supply in the New Haven area and distributed it to drug sellers in and around New Haven.  Michael Smith, also known as “Smitty” and “Fingers,” of Hamden, was one of VARON-RAMIREZ’s cocaine customers.  Smith converted the cocaine to crack cocaine, which he sold to his own customer base.

VARON-RAMIREZ and ROMAN, who have been detained since May 22, 2012, each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.

Following service of his sentence, VARON-RAMIREZ faces deportation to Colombia.

On January 13, 2014, a federal jury in Hartford found Smith guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

Updated March 18, 2015