David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMAURIS TOMAS GARCIA-LOPEZ, also known as “Esteban Morales-Vega,” 37, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation into gang activity and the trafficking of firearms and narcotics in southwestern Connecticut.  According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 10, 2011, GARCIA-LOPEZ was arrested and a search of his vehicle revealed approximately 50 grams of cocaine and $1,709 in cash.  Following GARCIA-LOPEZ’s arrest, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered approximately 100 grams of cocaine, drug packaging paraphernalia, several cellular telephones, a .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun, .45 caliber hollow point ammunition, and $14,550 in cash.

On October 25, 2011, GARCIA-LOPEZ pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  He has been detained since his arrest.

More than 100 firearms, including machine guns, were purchased or seized during the investigation, and a total of 17 individuals have been charged with various federal offenses.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Norwalk Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Marc H. Silverman.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

 

 

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