Two Southeastern Connecticut Men to Serve Time in Federal Prison for Roles in Heroin Trafficking Ring

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men have been sentenced in Hartford federal court for their participation in a Southeastern Connecticut heroin trafficking ring. 

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea sentenced ROBERTO ROMAN, also known as “Indio,” 49, of New London, to 72 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release.  Today, Judge Shea sentenced MARCUS ANTON, 34, of Montville, to 48 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Michael Luciano, of New London, was distributing heroin through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.

Roman served as a “runner” for Luciano, delivering heroin to Luciano’s customers, collecting cash from them, and then delivering the money Luciano.  Anton was a street-level heroin dealer who was supplied by Luciano.

On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging Luciano, Roman, Anton and 18 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.

On August 30, 2018, Anton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.  On September 27, 2018, Roman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On June 27, 2018, Luciano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.  On January 29, 2019, he was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and the New London, Norwich, Waterford, Attleboro (Mass.) and Freetown (Mass.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.