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U.S. Attorney John Durham announced that 16 people have been charged with federal offenses related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine, crack and opioids in the state.
Beginning in summer last year, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating alleged drug dealers in the area. Durham said the investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and video surveillance, and the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants.
The investigation has led to the seizure of drugs, eight firearms - including three assault rifles and a “destructive device” - and more than $360,000 in cash.
Among the suspects charged in an indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin:
- Louie McDowell, 45, of Seymour;
- Antonio Small, 27, of Naugatuck;
- Evan Sheffield, 32, of Hamden;
- Jesse Papcun, 30, of Stratford;
- Allison McAuliffe, 28, of Fairfield;
- Shawn Jobbagy, 27, of Bridgeport;
- Allison Colavito, 31, of Trumbull.
On Nov. 6, a search of McDowell’s home in Seymour revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine, more than 100 grams of heroin, narcotics paraphernalia, five firearms, ammunition, and $129,203 in cash. A search of a safe deposit box maintained by McDowell revealed an additional $217,000 in cash. Investigators also seized $2,960 in cash and heroin from Sheffield’s Bridgeport residence, $1,770 in cash and a Rolex watch from Small’s Naugatuck home, and drugs, firearms and other weapons from Papcun’s Stratford property.
The suspects charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute various controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and oxycodone:
- Kevin Jones, 26, of Bridgeport;
- Luis Martinez, 53, of Stratford;
- Shawn Woodard, 38, of Bridgeport;
- Donald Lawlor, 38, of Norwalk;
- Phillip Chiaia, 31, of Norwalk;
- Julian Delepine, 41, of Wilton;
- Kevin Jones, Sr., 54, of Farmington.
The indictment also charges Jones II with possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and oxycodone. On Nov. 6, a search of his person and residence found narcotics, $2,823 in cash, jewelry and an ounce of gold. In addition, a search of Martinez’s Stratford home revealed $11,132 in cash.
Additionally, Bridgeport resident Harvel Carter, 25, is charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. A search of his home on Nov. 6 revealed heroin, two loaded handguns, and $1,406 in cash.
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