News Release [print-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007

Lead Target in Meriden Cocaine Trafficking Operation Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Conspiracy Charge

DEC 17 -- June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MILTON ROMAN, 33, of Parker Avenue North, Meriden, pleaded guilty yesterday, December 13, before Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to one count of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and five kilograms or more of powder cocaine. On October 4, 2006, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging ROMAN and 34 others with various narcotics offenses involving the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in Meriden and the surrounding area. Five additional defendants were charged in a related Indictment on May 22, 2007.

On November 21, 2007, the federal grand jury in New Haven returned a Superseding Indictment against ROMAN and Wilfredo Abrahante. This matter stems from a joint FBI/DEA federal wiretap investigation that targeted two cellular telephones used by ROMAN and one cellular telephone used by Abrahante. According to statements made during ROMAN’s guilty plea proceeding, from October 2005 through September 2006, ROMAN participated in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of powder and crack cocaine in Meriden and surrounding towns. During the course of the wiretap, law enforcement intercepted telephone calls between ROMAN and approximately 40 different customers who were purchasing powder and crack cocaine from ROMAN for redistribution to others. During the course of the investigation, ROMAN also sold approximately 20 ounces of crack cocaine during five separate controlled purchases with federal agents.

On July 13, 2006, ROMAN was arrested by state authorities working in conjunction with federal authorities and when ROMAN was found in possession of approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine. ROMAN has been detained since that date, and has been transferred into federal custody. Judge Dorsey has scheduled sentencing for February 29, 2007, at which time ROMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum term of life, and a fine of up to $8 million. Abrahante pleaded guilty on December 6 to one count of engaging in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base. He awaits sentencing. This investigation was a collaborative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Meriden Police Department.