Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Marijuana Trafficking

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that FLOYD RILEY, also known as “F,” 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for distributing marijuana.

This matter stems from “Operation Northern Strike,” a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting alleged members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RILEY resided at 133-135 Mansfield Street in Hartford, which served as a hub of drug trafficking activity during the course of the investigation. The investigation revealed that RILEY was involved in the distribution of marijuana and, on one occasion, delivered more than 16 grams of crack cocaine to another member of the conspiracy.

On October 27, 2011, RILEY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

Not all of the defendants charged as a result of this investigation are alleged to be gang members or associates.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force—which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department—and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.