Project Safe Neighborhoods
New Haven Man Sentenced to More than Six Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack Cocaine
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM GREAR, 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 6, 2011, GREAR sold approximately 48 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,760. On January 28, 2011, GREAR was arrested after he met with the same individual to trade more than 24 grams of crack cocaine for two firearms.
On September 26, 2011, GREAR pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack cocaine").
GREAR has been detained since his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut's cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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