Brian Ward, Crack Cocaine Distribution, Connecticut 2021

A 29-year-old New Haven man has been charged with crack cocaine distribution and ammunition possession offenses after a massive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department.

Brian Ward, 29, was arrested on July 21, 2021, at his associate’s West Haven residence, where police found crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $2,075 in cash. Investigators observed Ward throw a bag from the house, which contained crack cocaine packaged for distribution.

Later that day, police conducted a court-authorized search of Ward’s New Haven residence and seized a pistol box containing four ammunition magazines and a box of 39 9mm rounds. It is alleged that Ward was previously convicted of state felony drug and assault offenses and is a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Ward is also accused of firing a gun at a group of individuals on August 8, 2021, in Hamden, after one of the individuals shot and killed his associate. The indictment charges Ward with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.

The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for crack cocaine distribution and 10 years for ammunition possession. Ward has been detained since August 18, 2021, and will appear in court on the charges.

Acting U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr., as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the centerpiece of the government’s violent crime reduction efforts. The program focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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