New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Crack Cocaine

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS E. RIVERA, also known as “Bebe,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking.  In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a confidential informant arranged to purchase an ounce of cocaine and a firearm from RIVERA and another individual in exchange for $1,500.  On March 14, 2015, the confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent met with RIVERA and the other individual a location in New Haven to complete the transaction.  At the location, RIVERA stated that he did not have the firearm.  The undercover agent then paid $1,200 for an ounce of cocaine.  On that date, RIVERA told the undercover agent that he knew how to “cook” cocaine into crack cocaine.

In the next two weeks, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of approximately 57 grams of crack cocaine from RIVERA, and arranged another purchase of two ounces (approximately 57 grams) of crack from RIVERA.  RIVERA was arrested on March 31, 2014.  On that date, he possessed the approximately 57 grams of crack that he intended to sell.  A subsequent search of apartment revealed more than 100 grams of cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia and more than $9,000 in cash.

RIVERA has been detained since his arrest.  On December 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.