CONTACT: Tom Carson, Public Information Office, (203) 821-3722, (203) 996-1393 (cell)

FEDERAL AND STATE AUTHORITIES DISMANTLE MAJOR HARTFORD DRUG RING 52 Defendants Charged in 'Operation Big Boy'; Hartford crack cocaine distribution network obtained cocaine from Mexico.

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Wolf, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Patrick J. Harnett, Chief of the Hartford Police Department, today announced the conclusion of a ten-month investigation targeting a drug distribution network that distributed crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana in Hartford and surrounding communities.

A federal grand jury sitting in Hartford has returned four separate Indictments charging 51 defendants that allege violations of federal narcotics laws. In addition, one individual, GILBERTO SOTO, DOB 09/15/70, of California, has been arrested on a Criminal Complaint. To date, a total of 48 individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine or marijuana. Four individuals are currently fugitives from justice.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated that the ten-month investigation, code named "Operation Big Boy," included federal wiretaps on nine different telephones, months of surveillance, and numerous purchases and seizures of crack cocaine in the north end of Hartford. Prosecutors allege that Gilberto Soto supplied kilogram quantities of cocaine to an organization run by NOEL KEATING and RICHARD CARTER, who then "cooked" the powder cocaine into crack cocaine. It is alleged that KEATING supplied kilogram quantities of crack cocaine to NEGUS FORRESTER, who in turn sold crack cocaine to CLAYTON ROBINSON and others. Further, prosecutors allege that ROBINSON sold crack cocaine to MAURICE BENNEFIELD, who often referred to the quantity of crack cocaine he routinely ordered from ROBINSON as a "big boy." The investigation also revealed that ROBINSON and BENNEFIELD sold crack cocaine to individuals who drove into Hartford from surrounding towns, including Glastonbury, West Hartford, New Britain, and South Windsor.

As a result of this investigation, on January 26, 2005, the FBI seized 16 kilograms of powder cocaine hidden in a minivan driven by Soto and others from Mexico to a location in central Connecticut. Previously, in late 2004, federal officers had executed eight federal search warrants at alleged stash houses, residences and two businesses associated with KEATING's and FORRESTER's crack distribution rings. A search of a residence located at 96 Ogilby Drive, Apartment B1, Hartford, allegedly used by Negus FORRESTER as a 'stash house' resulted in the seizure of approximately 800 grams of crack cocaine. Further, during a search of 96-98 Chadwick Avenue, Hartford, an apartment building formerly owned by KEATING, federal agents discovered an extensive facility used to transform powder cocaine into crack cocaine. Located in the basement of this house were dozens of vessels used to prepare the crack cocaine, approximately 180 pounds of the chemical used to transform powder cocaine into crack cocaine, masks, gloves, mixers, razor blades, plastic bags, fans, and more than 8 empty kilogram packages of cocaine. Further, this "cookhouse" was equipped with a sophisticated surveillance system, complete with cameras hidden in interior smoke detectors and exterior cable boxes, that allowed the defendants to detect the approach of law enforcement officers. Additionally, federal agents seized more than $450,000 in United States currency, three Rolex watches and numerous other pieces of gold and diamond jewelry. A continuing investigation has linked this organization to a drug distribution ring operating out of Mexico.

The following individuals have been charged with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. If convicted, each defendant will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as life, a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of 10 years and a fine of up to $4 million.

Case 3:04cr337(AWT):
Noel Keating, DOB 12/18/59, 2 Alexander Rd., Bloomfield 
Richard Carter, DOB 4/4/65, no known address
Negus Forrester, DOB 9/24/77, 206 Farmington Ave., Apt. 215, Hartford
Lois Keating, DOB, 10/03/59, 2 Alexander Rd., Bloomfield
Omar Brown, DOB, 1/22/81, no known address
Misha Campbell, DOB, 4/29/77, 206 Farmington Avenue, Apt. 215, Hartford
Shane Dailey, DOB 11/08/82, 33 Elmer Street, Hartford
Lawrence Easterling a.k.a. "Lala", DOB, 12/01/81, Hartford
Kaniel Forrester a.k.a. "Beevis", DOB 05/17/84, Hartford
Ricardo Fuller, DOB 10/04/81, Hartford
Jason Spencer a.k.a. "Bebe", DOB 07/26/82, 52 Irving Street, Hartford
Damion Gardner a.k.a. "Asshole", DOB 09/08/81, 349 Sigourney Street, Hartford
Rohan Purcell a.k.a. "Puss", DOB 07/14/78, 117 Hillcrest Ave, West Hartford
Chris Russell, DOB 01/29/83, 49 Green St, 2nd Fl., Hartford
Kerry Thompson, DOB 04/18/81, 62 Dillon Road, Hartford
Jennette Vassell, DOB 10/18/75, 96 Ogilby Dr, Apt. B1, Hartford
Travales Johnson, DOB 04/10/84, 6 Winter St., Hartford
Kenneth Powell a.k.a. "Chucky", DOB 03/10/73, 54 Westminister St., Hartford
Clayton Robinson, DOB 09/26/81, Hartford
Maurice Bennefield, a.k.a. "Manager Mo", DOB 02/26/67, Hartford

Additionally, KEATING and OMAR MITCHELL have been charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of powder cocaine If convicted, each defendant will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as life, a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of 10 years and a fine of up to $4 million.

Further, the following individuals have been charged with conspiring to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine If convicted, each defendant will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as 40 years, a minimum mandatory term of incarceration of five years and a fine of up $2 million.

Case 3:04cr336(MRK)
Clayton Robinson, DOB 09/26/81, Hartford
Maurice Bennefield, DOB 02/26/67, Hartford
Jayquan Faniel, DOB 5/17/84, 257 South Marshall St., Apt. 2, Hartford
David Francis, DOB 09/16/58, Hartford
Devon McCarter a.k.a. "Head", DOB 04/07/85, 55 Hamilton Road, East Hartford
Tranel McCoy a.k.a. "Freddie", DOB 03/31/76, 40 Elmer Street, Hartford
Daren Willis a.k.a. "Tang", DOB 08/25/81, 111 Plainfield St., Hartford

Case 3:04cr308(AVC)
Maurice Bennefield a.k.a. "Manager Mo", DOB 02/26/67, Hartford
Larry Acoff, DOB 07/15/63, 359 Garden St., Apt. 10 Hartford
Lee Baskerville, DOB 09/13/1963, Hartford
Bryan Beecher, DOB 03/19/61, 172 Bingham St., New Britain
William Bolduc, DOB 10/21/58, 161 Main St., Hartford
Jonathon Elmore, DOB 02/08/81, 498 Ellington Rd., South Windsor
Calvin Lowe a.ka. "C-Lo", DOB 02/28/56, 18 Enfield St., Apt. 3B, Hartford
Yves Plante, DOB 10/16/62, 19 Kingston Street, West Hartford

Finally, the following individuals have been charged with conspiring to distribute a detectable amount of crack cocaine. If convicted, each defendant will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

Case 3:04cr336(MRK)
Eric Murphy a.k.a. "E", DOB 08/03/84, 18 Brookdale Ave., Bloomfield
Eric Smith a.k.a. "Bigs", DOB 05/20/66, 40 Henry St., East Hartford
Larry Starks a.k.a. "Bump", DOB 11/12/78, Hartford
Dwight Thompson a.k.a. "Black", DOB 05/02/84, Hartford

Case 3:04cr308(AVC)
Maurice Bennefield a.ka. "Manager Mo", DOB 02/26/67, Hartford
Allan Baker, DOB 2/28/1952 , 60 Sea Island Rd., Glastonbury
Antwon Blue a.k.a. "Ox", DOB 10/14/82, 109 Magnolia St., Hartford
Rufus Howell, DOB 08/26/77, 490 Silver Lane, East Hartford
Josh Janton, DOB 09/08/81, Liska Road, Willington
Michael Leighton, DOB 02/17/62, 140 Summit Street, Manchester
Anthony Redding, DOB 11/28/65, 151 Chestnut Street, Manchester
Ryan Thompson a.k.a. "Turtle", DOB 06/06/74, 1021 Asylum Ave., Hartford
Michael Tucker a.k.a. "Brooklyn", DOB 04/07/70, 266 Maple Ave., Apt. 5, Hartford
Evelyn Young, DOB 05/27/71, Hartford

Further, the wiretap investigation also uncovered evidence related to the distribution of kilograms of marijuana in Hartford. The following individuals are charged with conspiring to distribute marijuana. If convicted, each defendant will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Michael Jaramillo, DOB 06/12/75, 59 Webster St., Hartford
Jermaine Pertillar, DOB 12/12/71, 125 Greenfield St., Hartford
Orville Lipscombe, DOB 05/09/76, 55 Brittany Farms Road, Apt 15, New Britain

THOMAS KENNEY, DOB 10/26/69, of Hartford, is charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he will be subject to a term of incarceration of as much as 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

William Kolodney has been charged and convicted by state authorities and the Government intends to seek dismissal of the federal charges against him.

The FBI indicates that four individuals are currently fugitives from justice, including MICHAEL JARAMILLO, CLAYTON ROBINSON, KENNETH POWELL, and RICARDO FULLER. Citizens with information concerning these individuals should contact FBI Special Agents Robert Bornstein and William Aldenberg at (203) 503-5000.

"Thanks to excellent investigative work, this comprehensive operation was successful in dismantling an organization that imported powder cocaine directly from Juarez, Mexico, converted this material into crack cocaine, and distributed significant amounts of crack cocaine throughout the city of Hartford and to individuals from surrounding communities," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "This comprehensive investigation includes charges being filed against individuals who sold kilogram quantities of powder cocaine and crack cocaine and operated a large scale drug factory, drug dealers who sold smaller amounts in the city of Hartford, as well as individuals who drove from locations outside of Hartford to buy crack cocaine. The success of this investigation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the FBI, Hartford Police and many law enforcement agents, who took this operation from the streets of Hartford all the way to the suppliers in Mexico. Federal and state authorities will continue to work together to attack the sale of illegal drugs in the capital city."

The arrests being announced today are a direct result of the sharing of intelligence and the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement," FBI Special Agent in Charge Wolf added. "We remain committed to ridding our communities of violent gangs and of the devastating effects of drugs."

"This is an outstanding example of federal and local cooperation that will lead to crime reduction and violence reduction in the City of Hartford, " Hartford Police Chief Harnett stated. "The results speak for themselves."

U.S. Attorney O'Connor complimented the FBI, the Hartford Police Department, the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, the United States Marshal's Service, the Windsor Police Department, the Connecticut Judicial Marshals, the Hartford Housing Authority, the Meriden Police Department, the Wallingford Police Department, the South Windsor Police Department and the Manchester Police Department for their efforts in this case.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant United States Attorneys Raymond F. Miller and Dave Vatti, who are members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, are prosecuting these cases. ###