Judge: Man Supplied Firearm That Killed Darien Cop

A judge found that a West Haven career criminal supplied the firearm used to kill Darien Officer Kenneth Bateman in 1981.

Anthony Sabato, 57, was sentenced in U.S. District court Wednesday to more than 13 years in prison for trafficking crack-cocaine.

Sabato conspired to distribute the drug between March 2013 and March 2015, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

Co-conspirator Miguel Joel Roman of Hartford and Sabato sold two ounces of crack to an undercover officer for $4,000. More crack and drug paraphernalia were found in a subsequent search of Sabato’s apartment. He pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base.

Sabato has had 35 convictions since 1975 for a variety of crimes including firearms, gambling, fraud, burglary and assault.

“In addition to noting Sabato’s lengthy criminal history, Judge Bryant found that Sabato supplied the firearm that was used in the murder of Darien Police Officer Kenneth Bateman in May 31, 1981,” said Tom Carson, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney Connecticut office.