New Britain’s Carlos Soto, a 39-year-old local known as ‘Puchie,’ has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for trafficking firearms. United States Attorney John H. Durham announced the sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea.
The investigation began with the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force in 2018 when they targeted Ricardo Reyes, also known as ‘Rick the Ruler,’ a member of the Los Solidos street gang. Normen Klosek, an Enfield resident, was identified as a straw purchaser for Reyes, acquiring and selling or loaning 47 handguns to support his drug addiction.
In April 2019, law enforcement intercepted communications indicating that Soto and Reyes were facilitating a gun deal. The two firearms were purchased by Klosek and transferred to Reyes and Soto. Later that day, investigators seized the guns after stopping a vehicle associated with Reyes.
Soto, Reyes, and Martinez were arrested on June 17, 2019, following a 32-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Hartford. Soto pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on December 12, 2019. Reyes and Klosek also pleaded guilty.
Thus far, approximately 11 of the 47 guns purchased by Klosek have been recovered by law enforcement. One was recovered following its use in a shooting in Hartford on August 22, 2019.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming, with significant assistance from the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation underscores the ongoing battle against gun trafficking and organized crime in the state.
Related Federal Cases
- Bangor Pawn Shop Employee Admits Gun Trafficking Role · Maine
- Bridgeport Man Faces Sex Trafficking Charges for Minors · Connecticut
- Uncasville’s RAMON GOMEZ Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking, Heroin Distribution · Connecticut
- Dr. Ljudmil Kljusev Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Fraud · Connecticut
- Ansonia Man Gets 5 Years for Gun, Heroin Distribution · Connecticut
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News