David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARIEL SANCHEZ, 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 10, 2011, Hartford Police officers executed a search warrant at SANCHEZ’s residence and seized more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 20 grams of heroin and more than $4,000 in cash.  They also seized a 9mm pistol that belonged to SANCHEZ.

Prior to August 10, 2011, SANCHEZ had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut, including sale of hallucinogens/narcotics, sale of controlled substances, possession of narcotics, and possession of drugs/marijuana.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on August 10, 2011.  On March 5, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

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