New London Man Sentenced for Distributing Heroin

NEW LONDON, CT - Court officials announced Thursday that a 32-year old New London man was sentenced to seven years in prison on heroin distribution charges.

Jerome Hunter, also known as “Rome,” was sentenced to 84 months in prison for distributing heroin. His sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release, according to a release.

• To sign up for New London breaking news alerts and more, click here.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation into the distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that a man named Sydney Jackson and others regularly acquired cocaine and heroin from sources in New York and transported the drugs to southeastern Connecticut.

Much of the cocaine was converted to crack cocaine by Jackson in Connecticut and the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers (including Hunter) in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington and other areas.

Hunter, Jackson and 11 other defendants were charged November 24, 2015, with various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. Approximately 20 individuals were additionally prosecuted on related state charges.

Officers seized approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, 416 grams of heroin, five firearms and $53,500 in cash over the course of the investigation.

Hunter was arrested on September 2, 2015, after being found in possession of more than 100 grams of heroin, a handgun, approximately $2,200 and heroin processing and packaging equipment. The suspect pleaded guilty on October 5, 2016, to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Groton, New London, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments aided in the investigation.