New Haven Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking Ring

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HERSON GONZALEZ, also known as “Titi,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug 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 Herson 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 Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez purchased bulk quantities of heroin from individuals in New York and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including Herson Gonzalez, in New Haven and elsewhere.

The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

Herson Gonzalez was arrested on March 16, 2017.  On January 16, 2018, 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.  On March 28, Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment.  Antonio Gonzalez awaits sentencing.

Herson Gonzalez’s criminal history includes 13 criminal convictions.  After pleading guilty in this federal case and while released on bond pending sentencing, he was arrested on state charges in Bristol.  He subsequently pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and assault in the third degree.

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.