United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Frank Doughty, also known as “Fresh,” 42, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms.  More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers received court-authorization to monitor three telephones used by Michael Smith, also known as “Smitty” and “Fingers.”  Doughty was intercepted on multiple occasions ordering distribution quantities of cocaine from Smith.

Doughty has been detained since his arrest on May 22, 2012.  On October 25, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine.

On January 13, 2014, a jury found Michael Smith guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine and cocaine (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.  He awaits sentencing. This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.