Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking Ring
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RUBEN GONZALEZ, 39, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.
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’s brothers, Bienvenido and Antonio 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.
During the investigation, RUBEN GONZALEZ, who was incarcerated in state custody, instructed his girlfriend, Marimar Roman, to purchase large quantities of heroin from Bienvenido Gonzalez and then distribute the drug RUBEN GONZALEZ’s customers.
On November 6, 2017, RUBEN GONZALEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Judge Meyer ordered GONZALEZ to begin serving his 77-month federal sentence after he completes his state sentence, which is scheduled to conclude in approximately six months.
Bienvenido Gonzalez, Antonio Gonzalez and Marimar Roman previously pleaded guilty to related charges and await 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.