David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD JAMES GAETANO, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday, January 11, by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
           
This matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Brick House,” which targeted a heroin distribution organization based in New Haven that was headed by Tarulus Glass, also known as “Dred,” and his associates.  The investigation employed several law-enforcement techniques, including the use of confidential informants, controlled purchases of heroin, physical surveillance, and the use of court-authorized wiretaps on cellular telephones utilized by some of the defendants.
           
The investigation revealed that Glass and his associates obtained prepackaged heroin from sources of supply in the New York metropolitan area and distributed it to drug sellers in and around New Haven, including GAETANO.
           
During the course of the investigation, DEA Task Force officers seized heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, four firearms and three vehicles.
           
A total of 11 individuals have been charged as a result of the investigation.
           
On August 16, 2011, GAETANO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
           
Glass has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
           
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Meriden, Hamden, West Haven, Branford and Ansonia Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

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