Press Release
Hamden Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Narcotics Charges
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLEMENTE HOLMES, also known as “Cavali” and “Vali,” 30, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm and narcotics offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Holmes at his Goodrich Street residence. On January 22, 2019, a court-authorized search of the residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun. Holmes was arrested on state charges on that date.
In February 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Holmes, who had posted bond after his state arrest.
Holmes was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 26, 2019. At the time of his arrest, a search of his residence revealed more heroin packaged for distribution. He has been detained since his arrest.
In 2012, Holmes was convicted in state court of sale of narcotics and possession pistol without a permit.
Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries maximum term of life imprisonment.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the East Haven, Hamden and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Updated September 3, 2019
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Firearms Offenses
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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