Former Massachusetts Resident Involved in New Haven-Based Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAVAR BELLAMY, also known as “Lil B,” “LB” and “Little Black,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.

Bellamy, who resided in Fitchburg during the investigation, regularly received crack cocaine from co-conspirators in Connecticut and distributed the drug in the Fitchburg area.  He also wire-transferred proceeds of his drug sales to his Connecticut associates.

On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Bellamy and 24 other individuals with various offenses.

Bellamy has been detained since May 30 2019, when he was arrested on state drug charges in Massachusetts.  On November 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Bellamy’s criminal history includes multiple convictions.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Elena L. Coronado.