United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

HARTFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL HEROIN DISTRIBUTION CHARGE

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN SOTO, 22, of Lawrence Street, Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, in July 2006, a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force initiated an investigation into the distribution of cocaine and heroin in Hartford.  During the investigation, wiretap authorizations were obtained that allowed the interception of drug distribution related conversations being conducted over five different cellular telephones.  Additionally, controlled purchases of both heroin and cocaine were made on multiple occasions.  In June 2007, 18 individuals were charged with various narcotics offenses as a result of the investigation.

During the course of the wiretap phase of the investigation, SOTO was intercepted as he twice called his heroin supplier to order 20-gram quantities of heroin that he intended to further distribute.

Judge Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2008, at which time SOTO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency Hartford Resident Office Task Force, which includes officers from the Hartford Police Department, Manchester Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Southington Police Department, and the Windsor Locks Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.

CONTACT:

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