9 Charged In Major Drug Dealing Investigation In Southeastern CT: Feds

NEW LONDON, CT — Nine people face federal charges in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation in southeastern Connecticut, according to federal prosecutors.

The investigation led to the seizure of about 10 kilograms of cocaine, over $170,000 in cash and a gun.

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The people arrested are accused of being part of a drug dealing network that supplied cocaine and crack cocaine throughout the region, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.

Those charged are Michael Smith, 53, of Lisbon; Anthony Gomez, 46, of Norwich; Robert Duran, 46, of Mount Vernon, NY; Deonna White, 48, of Norwich; Sarah Butler, 43, of Norwich; Heather Roy, 44, of Canterbury; Rocky Laurent, 48, of New London; Cordelia Harris, 49, of New London; and Keith Nival, 46, of New London.

Federal prosecutors allege Smith supplied cocaine and crack cocaine to a network of dealers throughout southeastern Connecticut. Laurent, Butler, Roy, Harris and Nival allegedly purchased drugs from Smith and resold them in smaller quantities.

Investigators used wiretaps, video surveillance, GPS tracking and controlled drug purchases during the investigation.

On Oct. 8, investigators conducting surveillance in a Clinton parking lot observed an alleged exchange involving Smith, White and Duran.

Authorities arrested the three after discovering about 10 kilograms of cocaine in a box and more than $170,000 in a shopping bag.

Searches of Smith's vehicles also uncovered cocaine, crack cocaine, a gun and more than 200 rounds of ammunition, prosecutors said.

A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment Oct. 27 charging all nine defendants with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Smith, Gomez, Duran, White and Laurent face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted. Butler, Harris and Roy face five to 40 years, while Nival faces up to 20 years.

Gomez, Smith and Duran also face additional drug trafficking charges. Smith was also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $196,353 and five vehicles.