New Haven Man Involved In Crack Distribution Ring Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Federal Prison
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson, Acting 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 Vincent Clark, also known as “Nu-Nu” and “Duke,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 140 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack 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.
The investigation revealed that Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” operated a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area. Clark served as Wilson’s “right-hand man,” assisting Wilson in the conversion of cocaine to crack cocaine, the delivery of crack to customers and the collection of drug proceeds.
On April 19, 2012, before he was indicted on federal charges, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Clark pursuant to an outstanding state arrest warrant, apprehended him after a foot chase and recovered multiple baggies of crack cocaine from his person. He has been detained since his arrest. On April 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine (“crack”).
Clark’s criminal history includes prior convictions for drug offenses and for acts of violence.
Wilson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been 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.
