United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FBI TASK FORCE INVESTIGATION BREAKS UP ALLEGED NEW HAVEN DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION
Eight face federal cocaine, crack and heroin distribution charges

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an Indictment charging eight individuals for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine, crack and heroin in and around New Haven.  The Indictment was returned on January 23.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, the charges stem from a 10-month investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force into a narcotics trafficking organization headed by NELSON RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Nellie Rock,” 29, of Elm Street, East Haven.  The investigation included the use of confidential informants, controlled purchases of drugs and court-authorized wiretaps on telephones known to be used by Nelson Rodriguez and his associates to distribute narcotics.

In addition to RODRIGUEZ, the following individuals are charged in the Indictment:  ALEXY LAUREANO, also known as “Big Bear” and “Goldie,” 28, of Claudia Drive, West Haven; VENUS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “V,” 33, of Blake Street, New Haven; SALVADOR BAEZ, also known as “Sal B,” 31, brother of Nelson Rodriguez, of Palmieri Avenue, New Haven; ERNESTO MARTINEZ, 22, also known as “Poopie,” cousin of Nelson Rodriguez, of Exchange Street, New Haven; TIFFANY MATOS, 19, of Saltonstall Avenue, New Haven; DAVID SANTIAGO, 31, of Michael Road, Hamden, owner of the Tire Doctor automotive sales and service company located at 470 Ella Grasso Boulevard in New Haven, and JUAN BAEZ, brother of Nelson Rodriguez, 33, of New Haven.

Seven of the eight individuals charged in the Indictment have been arrested and currently are detained.  NELSON RODRIGUEZ is being sought by law enforcement.  Citizens with information concerning his whereabouts are asked to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 203-777-6311.

If convicted, NELSON RODRIGUEZ, LAUREANO, SALVADOR BAEZ and ERNESTO MARTINEZ each face a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $4 million.  VENUS RODRIGUEZ and DAVID SANTIAGO each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $2 million.  JUAN BAEZ and TIFFANY MATOS each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

“Federal law enforcement is committed to attacking the drug trade in Connecticut,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated.  “I want to commend the FBI and all of the Task Force members involved in this investigation, as their coordinated efforts have disrupted what we allege to be a significant New Haven drug trafficking organization.”

U.S. Attorney O’Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several local police departments that participate in the Safe Streets Gang Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick F. Caruso, who is assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

CONTACT:

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