New Haven Man Sentenced to Nearly 7 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Distribution Ring

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VICTOR RIVERA, 44, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport, to 83 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin distribution ring.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into the distribution of heroin in New Haven.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin, revealed that Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Will” and “Pancho,” obtained bulk quantities of heroin, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, including RIVERA, and then distributed the drug through a network of street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood. 

During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns and five vehicles.  In addition, bank accounts containing more than $300,000 have been frozen.

Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.  All 17 pleaded guilty.

RIVERA’s criminal history includes a prior federal conviction in 2004 for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy.  He received a sentence of 48 months of imprisonment on that conviction, and additional prison terms after twice being found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

RIVERA has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015.  On September 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Vasquez awaits sentencing.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick Caruso.