News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007

New Britain Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Cocaine Distribution Charge

JAN 18 -- June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS LUCIANO, age 28, formerly of 108 West Street, New Britain, Connecticut, pleaded guilty yesterday, January 17, before Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to one count of an Indictment charging him with distribution of cocaine.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on September 13, 2006, LUCIANO, along with a co-defendant, engaged in a narcotics transaction involving approximately 28 grams of powder cocaine. An Indictment was returned against LUCIANO charging him with various offenses, including the September 13 transaction. During the guilty plea proceeding, LUCIANO admitted that, on that date, he participated in the sale of one ounce of cocaine for approximately $1000.

Judge Dorsey has scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2007, at which time LUCIANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $2 million. LUCIANO is currently detained.

This case has been investigated by the New Britain Police Department and the Hartford Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.