HARTFORD, CT – David Valentin, 37, of Hartford, is staring down a potential life sentence after admitting today to trafficking heroin and illegally possessing a firearm. The plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea, marks a significant step in a case that exposed a dangerous intersection of drugs and guns on the streets of the capital city.
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced Valentin’s guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges stem from a January 29, 2016 raid on Valentin’s Congress Street residence, a search authorized by a court warrant.
Hartford Police, acting on information developed through investigation, seized a substantial quantity of narcotics during the search: 2,684 wax folds of heroin, along with 15.1 grams of raw heroin. The discovery was compounded by the recovery of a loaded .380 caliber pistol – a weapon later determined to be stolen. The combination of heroin and an illegally obtained firearm paints a clear picture of Valentin’s dangerous activities.
This isn’t Valentin’s first brush with the law. Court records reveal a lengthy criminal history, including a staggering nine prior felony convictions. This repeat offender status will undoubtedly weigh heavily during sentencing, and prosecutors are expected to push for a substantial prison term.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department jointly investigated the case, demonstrating a coordinated effort to dismantle drug trafficking operations and remove dangerous individuals from the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins is prosecuting the case, ensuring Valentin is held accountable for his actions.
Judge Shea has scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2017. Valentin faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, but the maximum penalty extends to life imprisonment. The outcome will send a message about the consequences of dealing poison and putting weapons in the hands of criminals in Connecticut. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and the ever-present threat of gun violence.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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