Operation Bloodline Nabs Crack-Cocaine Distributor

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Vincent Mescrea, also known as “Jose Jimenez,” 43, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New Haven, was sentenced on July 9 by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. 

Mescrea is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearms.  The investigation revealed that Mescrea conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.

Mescrea’s criminal history includes several prior convictions, including at least two felony drug convictions. 

Mescrea has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012.  On February 20, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). 

Mescrea faces deportation proceedings after he completes his prison term.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.        

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.

Information courtesy of the U.S. Department of Justice