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Press Release

Leader of New Haven Heroin Trafficking Ring Pleads Guilty

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTONIO GONZALEZ, also known as “Bienve,” 47, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by GONZALEZ and his brother, Bienvenido Gonzalez.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that the Gonzalez brothers regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors in New Haven and elsewhere.

The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

ANTONIO GONZALEZ has been detained since his arrest on March 16, 2017.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2018, at which time GONZALEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Bienvenido Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 30, 2017.  As part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit $10,000 in cash that was seized from a stash house he operated in East Haven, his interest in a New Haven barbershop located on Farren Street in New Haven, a Dodge Ram truck, and two race cars.  He awaits sentencing.

The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments.  The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.

Updated January 19, 2018
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Component
USAO - Connecticut

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