Eric Riettie, also known as “Gambino” and “Lil E,” was sentenced on June 1 to 46 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring, according to David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force began investigating gang activity in Bridgeport’s South End and West Side in 2022. Investigators identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors. During the investigation, authorities intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, conducted controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy as well as their customers. Some drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines—which are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl—and xylazine, a large animal tranquilizer.
Pichardo supplied fentanyl and crack cocaine to Riettie, who then sold them to his own customers. Riettie also sometimes supplied distribution quantities of narcotic pills back to Pichardo.
Riettie was arrested on August 6, 2024. He pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Riettie is currently released on a $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on September 4.
Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to twelve years of imprisonment. The case has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force along with the Drug Enforcement Administration and police departments from Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes within the district; employs about 68 assistant U.S. attorneys; advances justice initiatives; serves all residents statewide; operates under the Department of Justice; has produced alumni who became judges or elected officials; and employs approximately fifty-seven support staff members—all according to its official website.