David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERROL SANTOUSE, 25, of Willimantic, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified SANTOUSE as a significant distributor of crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.  On five occasions in April and May 2012, SANTOUSE sold crack in quantities ranging from 3.5 grams to 42 grams to a cooperating witness and/or an undercover ATF agent.

On June 21, 2012, the undercover agent arranged to purchase approximately 28 grams of crack from SANTOUSE in exchange for $1050.  At a meeting in Hartford, SANTOUSE gave the cash to an associate who never returned with the drugs.  After SANTOUSE and the undercover agent agreed that the money had been stolen, the undercover agent left the area.  Investigators then surveilled SANTOUSE as he met an associate and departed in the associate’s car.  During a subsequent motor vehicle stop, investigators seized the $1050 in ATF funds from SANTOUSE and his associate, as well as a small amount of crack from SANTOUSE.  Later that day, investigators searched SANTOUSE’s Willimantic residence and seized an additional quantity of crack, narcotics packaging materials and more than $1600 in cash.

SANTOUSE has been detained since his arrest on June 21.  On September 4, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

Return to Top