Drug, firearms sweep ends with 46 in handcuffs

Federal and state law enforcement agencies arrested 46 people in and around New London Friday on drug trafficking and firearms charges following a nine-month investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of cocaine and crack cocaine and physical surveillance.

The agents and officers seized firearms, narcotics, cash, and several vehicles, according to U.S. Attorney Nora Dannehy.

"This coordinated operation is part of federal law enforcement's ongoing commitment to disrupt the drug trade in southeastern Connecticut and remove guns from the streets of New London," Dannehy said.

"I want to thank ATF, the DEA, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut's Department of Correction and Office of Adult Probation, and the Norwich, Town of Groton, New London and Waterford police departments, which have devoted personnel and significant resources during the course of this investigation."

The following were arrested on federal charges of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, narcotics: Lamont "Dell" Muller, 36, of Alger Place, New London; Marcis Colvin, 30, of Williams Street, New London, Donald "Jitt" Gatlin, 28, of Federal Street, New London; Lyndon "Panama" Gordon, 39, of Corbett Square, Danielson; Javoin "Joc" Praylou, 25, of Shaw Street, New London; Rodney "Red" Morgan, of Norwich; Wheeler Johnson, 25, of Pleasant Street, New London; Jerimy "DJ Gadget" Escalera, 23, of Vauxhall Street, New London; Benjamin Gregor of Crystal Avenue, New London; Tiffany Harris, 34, of Federal Street, New London; Amber Harris, 27, of South Road, Groton; and Leticia Goosby, 27, of Fern Street, New London.

Maurice Milligan, 31, of Hawthorne Drive, New London, was charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Also arrested Friday were four men who had been indicted on crack cocaine distribution charges by a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport. They are Daniel "D-Money" Scott, 21, of Crystal Avenue, New London; Dion "Woody" Anthony, 24, of Williams Street, New London; Jason "Minx" Robinson, 41, of New London and Groton and Richard Rowell, 30, of Norwich and New London.

Darius "Fat Boy" Harris, 29, of Bristol Street, New London, was arrested on an indictment charging him with unlawful firearms dealing and possession offenses.

The defendants were presented in U.S. District Court in Hartford and New Haven Friday, where most were ordered held without bond pending detention hearings next week. Tiffany and Amber Harris and Leticia Goosby each were released on $100,000 bonds.

In addition to the 18 federal defendants, the task force agents and officers arrested 28 individuals on state narcotics and firearms charges. The state defendants will be prosecuted by the State's Attorney's Office in New London.

Additional arrests are expected.

"Because of the dedicated efforts of all the agencies that participated in this investigation, the city of New London is a safer place," ATF Special Agent in Charge Anderson said. "Protecting our communities from the illegal use and trafficking of firearms is part of the mission of ATF, and I hope that today's actions send a strong message to those who choose to bring guns, drugs and violence into our neighborhoods. The Boston Field Division is committed to this community and we will continue our efforts here and across New England."

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Sarah P. Karwan, Robert M. Spector and Felice M. Duffy, and Senior Assistant State's Attorneys Paul Narducci and Michael Kennedy of the New London State's Attorney's Office.