A high-speed chase through Hartford, Connecticut, in May 2015 ended with Miguel Diaz, 35, behind bars and facing a lengthy prison sentence. Diaz, also known as ‘Smooth,’ was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, Diaz led Hartford police on a reckless pursuit, throwing a bag containing more than 300 wax paper sleeves of heroin from his car. Diaz drove through lanes of opposing traffic, nearly colliding with several cars, forcing officers to stop the pursuit.
Officers apprehended Diaz a short time later at his Hartford residence. A search of Diaz’s person revealed approximately $2,400 in cash, and a search of his apartment yielded additional heroin, packaging material, a loaded 9mm Hi-Point Model C-9 handgun, and 9mm ammunition.
Diaz has been detained since his arrest in May 2015. He pleaded guilty on November 18, 2015.
Diaz’s lengthy rap sheet includes 16 prior convictions, including convictions for weapons and drug offenses.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Gabriel J. Vidoni.
Diaz’s crimes have earned him a 7-year prison sentence, as well as three years of supervised release.
Defendant: Miguel Diaz
Criminal Charges: Possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
City and State: Hartford, Connecticut
Exact Date: May 2015 (arrest and crime), November 18, 2015 (guilty plea), and April 2017 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $2,400 in cash
Related Federal Cases
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- Onel Arana-Gervacio, Heroin Trafficking, Connecticut 2024 · Washington
- Miguel Lara, Cocaine Trafficking, Connecticut 2016 · Puerto Rico
- Carlos Santiago, Heroin Trafficking, Connecticut 2024 · Connecticut
- Modesto Barett-Medina, Heroin Trafficking, Connecticut 2017 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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