Men Sentenced For Role In New Haven-Based Drug Ring: Feds

NEW HAVEN, CT — Two men have been sentenced for their role in a New Haven-based drug ring, authorities announced this week. Jamaine Jackson, also known as “Jack,” 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to 77 months in prison and Theodore Smith, also known as “Ted,” 38, of New Haven, was sentenced to 42 months in prison.

Each man was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release when he is released from prison.

The 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, according to officials. The investigation led to 27 arrests.

“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,” officials wrote in a news release. “The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. During the investigation, Brian Backman of New Haven and Anderson Atkinson of Hamden were identified as suppliers of heroin to members of the drug trafficking organization. Jackson conspired with Backman, Anderson and others to acquire heroin and sell it to his own customers.

“Smith, who resided in Fitchburg for a time, distributed crack cocaine and heroin. He also wire-transferred proceeds of his drug sales to his Connecticut associates.”

Jackson pleaded guilty last November to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin.

Jackson’s criminal history includes 13 convictions for drug offenses, and convictions for assault, strangulation and burglary, according to officials. Smith also has a lengthy criminal history, which includes multiple convictions for narcotics and assault offenses, officials said.

Backman and Atkinson previously pleaded guilty. Backman was sentenced in March to 121 months of imprisonment. Atkinson awaits sentencing.