Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced that Donald Ogman, known as “Mainey-O” and “Manny O,” from New Haven, has pleaded guilty to methamphetamine and cocaine distribution charges. The plea was entered prior to the start of his planned trial, before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford.
Court documents and statements reveal Ogman as a leader of the violent Grape Street Crips gang in New Haven. In 2012, the FBI charged Ogman for drug trafficking-related offenses tied to his gang affiliation. He admitted to narcotics offenses and received a sentence of 188 months imprisonment with five years supervised release, starting March 10, 2015. In August 2022, a federal judge approved Ogman's request for compassionate release, leading to his release from prison.
While on federal supervised release, Ogman recommenced his drug trafficking operations, distributing methamphetamine pills around New Haven. Investigations involved surveillance, trash inspections, and controlled methamphetamine pill purchases from Ogman in early 2024.
Ogman was taken into custody on May 9, 2024. Searches on that day uncovered additional methamphetamine and crack cocaine.
Ogman pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and significant amounts of cocaine. His sentencing is slated for July 9, with a minimum prison term of 10 years due to previous convictions. He also faces penalties for violating supervised release terms.
Since arrest, Ogman has been detained. The investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, including the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.
Prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Program (OCDETF), aiming to dismantle drug traffickers and related criminal organizations. More information about OCDETF is available at their website.
