Heroin trafficking has once again landed a Hartford resident behind bars. FRANCISCO LEON, also known as “Gordo,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment for his role in a large-scale heroin operation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2019, Hartford Police received information that LEON was selling large quantities of narcotics from an apartment located at 777 Maple Avenue in Hartford. This tip led investigators to make a controlled purchase of heroin from LEON in July 2019.
The investigation into LEON’s activities took a significant turn on July 9, 2018, when investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the apartment. The search yielded approximately 9,700 bags of heroin, various drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun. LEON was arrested on state charges on that date and was found to be in possession of a U-Haul access card and three keys from a U-Haul storage facility located on Capitol Avenue in Hartford.
A subsequent search of a storage unit controlled by LEON revealed a staggering nine kilograms of heroin, two loaded handguns, and assorted ammunition. This discovery further solidified the case against LEON, who has a history of multiple state convictions related to the possession and sale of narcotics.
On March 28, 2019, LEON pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a result of his plea, U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley sentenced LEON to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In addition to his sentence, Judge Dooley ordered LEON to forfeit $13,980 that was seized from him during the investigation. LEON, who is currently released on $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 29, 2020. This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
The sentencing of FRANCISCO LEON serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat heroin trafficking in Hartford. The collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and federal authorities has led to the dismantling of several large-scale heroin operations in recent years, and this case is just the latest example of these efforts.
Related Federal Cases
- New Britain Coke King ‘Maple’ Gets Decade Behind Bars · Connecticut
- Jelliffe Gets a Year for Deadly Heroin Deal · Connecticut
- MINTER Pleads Guilty · Connecticut
- Ledyard Man Cops to Crack Deal, Faces 25 Years Behind Bars · Rhode Island
- DEA Targets Opioid Crisis in New England Take Back Day · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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