United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OCT 04 - BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson 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 Miguel Soto, also known as “Fat Boy,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin distribution ring.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into the distribution of heroin in New Haven.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin, revealed that Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Pancho,” obtained bulk quantities of heroin, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, 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.  Soto allowed Vasquez and his associates to use his residence to package heroin for street-level distribution.  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.  Soto has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015.  On April 12, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.  Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.  All 17 pleaded guilty.  Vasquez awaits sentencing.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.