News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2006

Associate of the Diablos Motorcycle Club Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Charge

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BARBARA COSTANZO, also known as “Barbara Huckins,” age 38, of 395 Atwood Avenue, Waterbury, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. COSTANZO’s plea of guilty was accepted this afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, COSTANZO was arrested on December 8, 2005, following a long term investigation into The Diablos Motorcycle Club in Waterbury and Meriden, Connecticut. The investigation utilized various investigative techniques including controlled purchases of narcotics by a confidential informant, purchases of narcotics by law enforcement officers acting in an undercover capacity, extensive physical surveillance, and a wiretap. The investigation resulted in federal charges being lodged against 12 full-patch members and known associates of The Diablos. Additional Diablos members and associates were charged by state authorities.

COSTANZO is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on June 26, 2006, at which time COSTANZO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

U.S. Attorney O’Connor commended the joint investigation of this matter conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury Police Department. U.S. Attorney O’Connor vowed continued vigilance in the investigation and prosecution of organized drug trafficking gangs operating in the State’s urban centers.