Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES JERNIGAN, also known as “CJ” and “Snooze,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Thompson also ordered JERNIGAN to perform 50 hours of community service.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. JERNIGAN and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence. The investigation revealed that JERINGAN and others sold crack cocaine in the area of Edgewood Street and Albany Avenue. Between June and August 2015, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack from JERNIGAN and his associates.

JERNIGAN has been detained since his arrest on September 17, 2015. On November 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

JERNIGAN’s criminal history includes multiple drug-related convictions. He also is a victim of two gang-related shootings.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.