New Haven Drug Dealer Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEVELL CONLEY, also known as “DL,” 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 5, 2017, the East Haven Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 27-year-old female at a residence in East Haven.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three small bags that contained a substance that tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone.

The investigation revealed that Conley had provided drugs to the victim shortly before her death.  He also had distributed heroin and crack cocaine to several drug users between July 2016 and May 2017.

Conley has been detained since his arrest on May 18, 2017.  On October 17, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

Conley’s criminal history includes 14 prior convictions, including convictions for drug distribution, assault, threatening, criminal possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the East Haven and New Haven Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.