United States Drug Enforcement Administration

HARTFORD, Conn. - John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL ROSA, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 165 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Solid Sweep,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation specifically targeted a drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang, and his cousin, ANGEL ROSA, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.”  ROSA, aka Mo Betta, managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers, including his own son, who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.  At times, he also used violence to ensure the success of the organization.

As a result of the investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry. 

ROSA was arrested on April 11, 2013.  On December 19, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

As part of his case, ROSA forfeited $8,767 in cash that was seized from his residence at the time of his arrest, a 2007 Mercedes E550 and a 2006 Harley Davidson XLH1200.

During the investigation, ROSA was on state probation for a similar offense.  In 2006, he was convicted of selling heroin and was sentenced to 17 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years. 

Mo Betta’s son, Angel Rosa, aka “Booby” and “Little Booby,” pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment.  Mo Betta’s cousin, Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.