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Press Release

Hartford Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM SEMIDEY, also known as “June,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2016, the Hartford Police Vice and Narcotics Unit began an investigation into illegal drug activity in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation revealed that Ariel Pagan, also known as “Snoop,” of Vernon, was using SEMIDEY’s Newbury Street residence to store, process, package and distribute narcotics.  In January 2017, an undercover officer posing as a heroin distributor from New Hampshire made four controlled purchases of heroin, in quantities ranging from 150 bags to 1,500 bags, from Pagan.  SEMIDEY was present during the fourth controlled purchase, and Pagan told the undercover officer that the undercover officer should contact SEMIDEY if Pagan was not available in the future.

The undercover officer subsequently arranged to purchase 2,100 bags of heroin from Pagan.  Pagan and SEMIDEY also asked the undercover officer to bring a quantity of fentanyl from New Hampshire and said they would pay for the fentanyl with 500 bags of heroin.  Pagan and SEMIDEY were arrested on January 25, 2017, after they met with the undercover officer in the Newbury Street residence to complete the transaction.  A court-authorized search of the residence revealed approximately 2,600 bags of heroin, approximately 10 grams of unpackaged heroin, and various drug packaging material and paraphernalia.  Investigators also located and seized a loaded 9mm pistol from SEMIDEY’s bedroom, and approximately 400 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a holster, from the basement.

SEMIDEY admitted that he purchased the pistol on the street for $600.  The firearm had been reported stolen from a Hartford residence.

SEMIDEY’s criminal history includes felony convictions.  In addition, in October 2016, SEMIDEY was arrested by Manchester Police and charged with multiple offenses, including felony assault and risk of injury, arising from a domestic dispute.  These charges are pending.

SEMIDEY has been detained since his arrest on January 25, 2017.  On January 9, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On December 6, 2017, Pagan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the 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.

Updated July 18, 2018

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Firearms Offenses