NEW HAVEN, CT – Jeffrey Benton, 32, known on the streets as “Tall Man” and “Fresh,” admitted today to a brutal reign of terror over New Haven. Benton pleaded guilty in federal court to federal racketeering, drug trafficking, and money laundering charges – and shockingly, confessed to participating in four gang-related murders and one attempted murder. The confession brings a chilling end, at least legally, to a years-long investigation into the Red Side Guerilla Brims (RSGB).
The case, dubbed “Operation Red Side,” began in January 2014 with a joint effort by the ATF and New Haven Police Department. Investigators uncovered a network of narcotics trafficking and violence perpetrated by the RSGB, a sect of the Bloods gang operating in New Haven. The operation revealed that Benton and his associates weren’t just pushing crack cocaine and other drugs locally; they were transporting narcotics – crack and heroin – to Bangor, Maine, and funneling the profits back to Connecticut. Firearms were also traded for drugs, further arming the gang.
Court documents detail Benton’s direct involvement in a series of violent acts. He admitted to the February 23, 2011, non-fatal shooting of an individual, followed by the murders of Kevin Lee on April 20, 2011, Donell Allick on June 24, 2011, Darrick Cooper on September 19, 2011, and Donald Bolden on March 19, 2012. Benton confessed to personally killing Donell Allick. This isn’t just about drug dealing; it’s about cold-blooded execution.
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly didn’t mince words. “Jeffrey Benton was the leader of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a savage and ruthless narcotics gang that terrorized New Haven in 2011 and 2012,” she stated. “Benton and his RSGB gang members not only trafficked in crack cocaine and firearms from Connecticut to Maine, but far worse they were responsible for multiple homicides.” Daly expressed hope the plea would offer some solace to the victims’ families, acknowledging the grueling nature of the prosecution.
Benton pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity – a charge carrying a potential life sentence due to the murders involved – one count of money laundering (20 years max), and one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine (10 years to life). Under the proposed plea agreement, Benton faces between 360 and 480 months – 30 to 40 years – in prison. The government is pushing for the maximum 480-month sentence. Benton has been held in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on June 27, 2017.
The investigation involved a multi-agency effort, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New Haven Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut State Police, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Hamden Police Department. This case underscores the relentless reach of organized crime and the dedication of law enforcement to dismantle these dangerous operations, one bloody chapter at a time.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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