FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2003

HARTFORD CRACK DEALER SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 8 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LONDON TROY JOHNSON, age 31, of 129 Plain Drive, East Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced yesterday, to a term of 100 months imprisonment following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute more than 5 grams of "crack" cocaine.

On October 2, 2003, JOHNSON entered a plea of guilty to the criminal charge contained in a one-count indictment. The charges resulted from the arrest of JOHNSON for "crack" cocaine distribution in the area of Albany Avenue in Hartford. At the time of his arrest, JOHNSON possessed cash and more than 26 grams of "crack" cocaine.

In sentencing proceedings at the federal courthouse in Hartford, U.S. District Judge Dominic J. Squatrito sentenced JOHNSON to a term of imprisonment of 100 months, to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release.

"The sentence imposed by Judge Squatrito today should send a clear message that drug dealers in Hartford will be vigorously prosecuted," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

The case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Anastasia Enos.