A Shelton man pleaded guilty in federal court in Hartford Wednesday to drug charges that will see him facing up to 20 years behind bars when he is sentenced.
The man, Vince Hancock, 37, was targeted in a lengthy investigation into drug dealing in the Valley last year.
Hancock pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine and heroin.
Hancock, also known as “Tower” and “T,” sold crack cocaine and heroin to “an individual working with law enforcement” several times between June and September 2011, according to a press release from federal prosecutors.
Hancock’s Cliff Street residence was raided by police from several area departments last September after a lengthy investigation into drug dealing in the lower Naugatuck Valley, police said at the time.
Federal prosecutors said that law enforcement officers recovered crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and a .32-caliber firearm during the search.
A plea agreement in the case calls for Hancock to forfeit nearly $4,000, a 2006 BMW 750i, and a bank account.
Though he faces 20 years at his sentencing, a date for which has not been determined, federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term in the range of 151 to 188 months.
This case is being investigated by the Ansonia Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance provided by the Derby Police Department, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
