Meriden Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

February 18, 2010 - Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MILTON ROMAN, 35, formerly of Parker Avenue North, Meriden, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Meriden. On December 13, 2007, ROMAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and five kilograms or more of powder cocaine.

This matter stems from a federal wiretap investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to court documents and statements made in court, from October 2005 through September 2006, ROMAN participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in Meriden and surrounding towns. During the course of the wiretap, law enforcement intercepted telephone calls between ROMAN and approximately 40 different customers who were purchasing distribution quantities of cocaine and crack from ROMAN. During the investigation, federal agents also made five separate controlled purchases of crack cocaine from ROMAN.

The total quantity of crack cocaine attributable to ROMAN’s conduct exceeds 4.5 kilograms.

On July 13, 2006, state authorities, working in conjunction with federal authorities, arrested ROMAN after he was found in possession of approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine. On that date, Meriden Police also seized approximately $5,000 from ROMAN’s residence and more than 100 grams of cocaine and three firearms from a separate apartment that ROMAN used as a “stash” location.

At sentencing, ROMAN faced enhanced penalties based on his prior criminal record, which includes multiple felony drug convictions. ROMAN also faced sentencing enhancements for his possession of firearms in connection with the offense, and for his leadership role in the conspiracy.

ROMAN has been detained in state or federal custody since July 13, 2006.

This investigation was a collaborative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Meriden Police Department. This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Spector and S. Dave Vatti.