New Haven Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Prison

NEW HAVEN, CT — A member of a New Haven heroin distribution ring was sentenced to seven years in prison.

All 17 members of the heroin distribution ring pleaded guilty. Victoria Rivera, 44, was sentenced Monday.

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The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin, revealed that Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Will” and “Pancho,” obtained bulk quantities of heroin, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, including Rivera, and then distributed the drug through a network of street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns and five vehicles. In addition, bank accounts containing more than $300,000 have been frozen.

Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. All 17 pleaded guilty.

Rivera’s criminal history includes a prior federal conviction in 2004 for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy. He received a sentence of 48 months of imprisonment on that conviction, and additional prison terms after twice being found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

Rivera has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015. On September 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.