NEW HAVEN, CT – Robbie Smith, 34, is heading back to federal prison after a Bridgeport judge slapped him with a 100-month sentence Wednesday for a cocktail of firearms and narcotics offenses, coupled with a violation of his supervised release. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden, effectively slams the door on Smith’s attempts to rebuild a life already marred by criminal activity.
Smith’s troubles didn’t begin with this latest bust. Back in July 2016, Bolden already sentenced Smith to 36 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based heroin and crack cocaine distribution network. He was released in May 2018, but wasted no time in reverting to old habits. Just months later, in December 2018, New Haven police received credible intel that Smith was packing heat and potentially involved in a shooting.
A court-authorized raid on Smith’s New Haven apartment on December 28, 2018, confirmed those suspicions. Cops unearthed a loaded Smith & Wesson K-22 revolver, a stash of crack cocaine, and the paraphernalia used to package the drug for street sales. The firearm itself had a history – it was reported stolen from Madison, Connecticut, meaning it crossed state lines and fell under federal jurisdiction. Smith, already a convicted felon, knew better.
Federal law is clear: a prior felony conviction automatically disqualifies someone from legally possessing firearms or ammunition that have traveled across state lines. Smith’s history doesn’t stop there. He also boasts a state conviction for first-degree robbery, further cementing his status as a repeat offender. The ATF and New Haven Police Department teamed up on the investigation, building a solid case that ultimately led to Smith’s guilty plea in July 2019.
Smith admitted to unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, and to intent to distribute crack cocaine. He also acknowledged violating the terms of his supervised release from his previous drug trafficking conviction. He’s been cooling his heels in jail since his arrest, and now faces over eight years to reflect on his choices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan prosecuted the case, securing the lengthy sentence.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery praised the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement, specifically thanking the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office for their contribution to the investigation and prosecution. The message is clear: those who repeatedly flout the law and endanger the community will face the full weight of federal justice.
Related Federal Cases
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- Sean London, Heroin and Crack Cocaine Distribution, New Haven CT, 2023 · Connecticut
- Thomas Recck Embezzled $125K, New Haven CT, 2023 · Ohio
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- Marcos Boyd, Gun and Heroin Distribution, CT 2024 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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