New Haven Murderers Sentenced To Long Prison Terms

NEW HAVEN, CT — Two New Haven men were sentenced to long prison terms for gang-related murders. Jeffrey Benton, 32, was sentenced to 40 years in prison and Robert Short, 30, was sentenced to 30 years by U.S. District Judge Janet Hall.

A joint ATF and New Haven Police Department investigation began into the Red Side Guerilla Brims Bloods-affiliated gang in the city in 2014. The gang was involved in narcotics dealing, murders, assaults and robberies, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

Benton pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in racketeering activity, money laundering and conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. He admitted his involvement in several gang-related violence incidents inclduing the murders of Kevin Lee on April 20, 2011, Donnell Allick on June 24, 2011, Darrick Cooper on Sept. 19, 2011 and Donald Bolden on March 19, 2012.

Short pleaded guilty to one count of causing death through use of a firearm during a crime of violence. He admitted he was ordered by Benton to murder Cooper, who was a rival gang member. Cooper was shot in Hamden.

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As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine. The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

“The Red Side Guerilla Brims, under the violent and brutal leadership of Jeffrey Benton, terrorized neighborhoods in New Haven in 2011 and 2012,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Benton and his RSGB cohorts, including Robert Short, were responsible for at least seven murders, multiple attempted murders, armed robberies, and drug and gun running between Connecticut and Maine. We hope that the lengthy prison terms imposed today bring a measure of solace to the families of the victims and the communities where these violent acts occurred. I thank our law enforcement partners, notably the ATF, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, for their tireless dedication to the cause of justice during this investigation, which has made New Haven a safer and more secure place to live. I also thank our counterparts in the Maine U.S. Attorney’s Office for their coordination in prosecuting a total of 21 individuals in this matter.”

“ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent gun crime committed by criminal organizations or individuals.” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “Today’s sentencing is also another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the citizens in our communities.”

BENTON has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is currently serving a 108-month sentence for distributing heroin. Chief Judge Hall ordered BENTON to begin serving the 40-year sentence after he completes his previous sentence.

SHORT has been detained since September 20, 2011, when he was arrested on a state offense. Chief Judge Hall ordered that SHORT not receive federal credit for time served on his state sentence, which concluded in July 2017.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.