DeWayne Joyner, Heroin Distribution, Connecticut 2020

A Bridgeport man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing heroin in Connecticut.

DeWayne Joyner, 36, also known as “Weezy,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to the evidence presented during a trial earlier this year, members of the ATF, DEA, and Bridgeport Police investigated narcotics trafficking in Bridgeport’s East End neighborhood and learned that Joyner was selling heroin. In September 2017, investigators conducted controlled purchases of heroin from Joyner.

The investigation revealed that Joyner was staying at a hotel in Bridgeport and storing narcotics in his hotel room. Joyner and others had stolen a large quantity of heroin during an armed home-invasion robbery on September 2, 2017. Joyner discharged two rounds from a handgun during the robbery.

At the time of his arrest on September 12, 2017, a search of Joyner’s person revealed a quantity of heroin, $1,326 in cash, four cellphones, and his hotel room key. A search of the hotel room revealed more than 250 grams of heroin and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

On January 31, 2020, a jury found Joyner guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a quantity of heroin.

The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Bridgeport Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport, and Trumbull Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Sarala Nagala. Joyner has been detained since his arrest.

The investigation revealed that Joyner was involved in a large-scale heroin distribution operation in Bridgeport. The evidence presented during the trial showed that Joyner was a key player in the operation and was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin in the city.

Joyner's sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the harm caused to the community. The sentence also reflects the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that they are held responsible for their crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-distributing-heroin