New Haven Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking
In a major blow to the heroin trade in New Haven, a local man has been sentenced to 105 months in federal prison for supplying the deadly drug to a notorious trafficking ring.
Elio Delima, 39, also known as “Victor Cuevas” and “Ely,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport on September 15, 2016. Delima, who has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to court documents, Delima supplied heroin to Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Will” and “Pancho,” who was at the helm of a New Haven-based trafficking ring. Vasquez, who awaits sentencing, obtained bulk quantities of heroin from Delima and others, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, and then distributed it through a network of street-level dealers in the Fair Haven neighborhood.
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.
Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of the investigation, and all 17 pleaded guilty. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick Caruso.
The DEA New Haven Task Force, which led the investigation, includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, and Derby Police Departments, as well as the U.S. Marshals Service.
Delima’s sentence sends a strong message that heroin trafficking will not be tolerated in New Haven. As our community continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, it is essential that those responsible for perpetuating this crisis are held accountable.
Delima’s exact crimes were: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. He was sentenced in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on September 15, 2016. His prison sentence is 105 months, followed by four years of supervised release. The investigation seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns, and five vehicles. In addition, bank accounts containing more than $300,000 were frozen.
This case is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in our region. We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle heroin trafficking rings and bring those responsible to justice.
Elio Delima is a New Haven resident. His crimes were committed in New Haven, Connecticut. The investigation was led by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from multiple police departments and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick Caruso.
Related Federal Cases
- Jeffrey Tavarez, Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking, Connecticut 2021 · Rhode Island
- Christopher M. Liscio, Oxycodone and Cocaine Trafficking, Connecticut 2020 · Alaska
- Jimmy Flores, Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses, Connecticut 2020 · Alaska
- Kenneth Bingell, Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution, Connecticut 2021 · Connecticut
- Trea Fraser, Possessing Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Connecticut 2022 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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