New Haven Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Ring

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRESE STANLEY, also known as “Scoot,” 30, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based drug trafficking ring.  Judge Chatigny ordered Stanley to serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding 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.

During the investigation, Anderson “Barry” Atkinson of Hamden was identified as a supplier of heroin to members of the drug trafficking organization.  Investigators intercepted calls between Stanley and Atkinson in which Stanley arranged for Atkinson to provide him with heroin for resale.  On certain calls, Stanley explained to Atkinson that he needed to raise funds through his drug sales to pay an attorney in a state court matter.

Twenty-seven individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

Stanley has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019.  On September 21, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Atkinson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.