Erick E. Gomez, JR., Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, Connecticut 2020

ERICK E. GOMEZ, JR., a 28-year-old New Haven resident, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Gomez was arrested in Woodbridge on April 3, 2020, after a car accident in which he fled from the scene. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol, 15 baggies of crack cocaine, and 12 folds of heroin and fentanyl.

On July 31, 2020, Gomez was arrested on related federal charges. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be in possession of quantities of crack cocaine, heroin/fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

ERICK E. GOMEZ, JR. will face sentencing on September 2, 2021, at which time he will receive a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years. Gomez has been detained since his federal arrest.

The investigation into Gomez’s activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with the New Haven Police Department and the Woodbridge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle, and Tara E. Levens.

Gomez’s crimes are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the possession and sale of illicit firearms and narcotics. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding individuals accountable for these types of crimes, and to working with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the networks of individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking of illegal substances.

The mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years’ imprisonment for ERICK E. GOMEZ, JR. reflects the seriousness of the offenses for which he has been convicted. The guilty plea and impending sentencing mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and gun violence in Connecticut.

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