Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking Ring
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELVIN PLAZA, also known as “Jordan,” 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 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 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, including PLAZA, in New Haven and elsewhere. PLAZA regularly purchased between 200 and 300 grams of heroin from Bienvenido Gonzalez and then sold the drug to his own customers.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
PLAZA was arrested on March 16, 2017. On November 1, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
PLAZA has 10 prior convictions, including three drug-related convictions, and a sexual offense that involved a minor victim.
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.