Norwich man to serve 130 months for dealing crack

U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton has sentenced Richard "Skitch" Rowell of Norwich to more than 10 years in prison for dealing crack cocaine.

A jury in April found Rowell guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"). According to evidence presented during the trial, including recorded phone calls and covert video and audio recordings, Rowell in April 2009 sold approximately 96 grams of crack cocaine to two individuals working with law enforcement on April 10, 2009, in Norwich. The video recordings included statements by Rowell discussing how he had converted, or "cooked," the crack from powder cocaine.

The case stems from "Operation New London Bloods," a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF"), in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, New London Police Department, Waterford Police Department, and the State of Connecticut's Department of Correction and Office of Adult Probation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan and Senior Assistant State's Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London States Attorney's Office, who has been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

— Karen Florin