Two More Fall in Drug Trafficking Investigation

Two more people have been have been sentenced in connection with a drug trafficking organization centering in Hamden and the Newhallville section of New Haven.

On Thursday Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns sentenced Russell Battles, also known as “Cuddy” and “Cuddy Russ,” 29, of New Haven, to 152 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. 

On May 2, 2011, Battles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.  According to court documents and statements made in court, in September and October 2010, Battles was intercepted several times over a wiretap arranging to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine.        

Milton Johnson, also known as “Tilt,” 28, of New Haven was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. 

On April 3, 2012, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine.”)  According to court documents and statement made in court, between June and October 2010, JOHNSON distributed between 196 and 280 grams of crack cocaine.       

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. 

Through the use of court-authorized wiretaps, investigating officers identified and dismantled a large drug trafficking organization that was centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden, and was responsible for the distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine throughout the Greater New Haven area. 

Forty-seven individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses as a result of this investigation.