A New Haven man, Donald Ogman, also known as “Mainey-O” and “Manny O,” has been sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine pills and violating the terms of his supervised release. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Ogman, 44, was identified as a leader of the Grape Street Crips, a violent gang based in New Haven. In 2012, he was arrested by the FBI for drug trafficking offenses related to his role in the gang. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 10, 2015, to more than 15 years in prison with five years of supervised release.
Ogman was granted compassionate release in August 2022 after a federal judge reduced his sentence to time served. After his release from prison, Ogman resumed drug trafficking activities while under federal supervision. Authorities say he distributed multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine that were marketed as ecstasy, as well as crack cocaine, throughout New Haven.
The investigation into Ogman's activities included surveillance operations, trash searches, and controlled purchases of drugs between November 2023 and April 2024. He was arrested on May 9, 2024. During searches conducted at that time, law enforcement found additional quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine on his person and at his residence. A loaded firearm was also discovered at a separate stash location.
Ogman has remained detained since his arrest. On April 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to several charges: one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; three counts involving possession with intent to distribute and distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine; and one count involving possession with intent to distribute both methamphetamine (at least 50 grams) and cocaine.
Judge Oliver imposed a sentence of 228 months for the new offenses plus an additional consecutive term of 24 months for violating supervised release conditions.
The case involved multiple agencies: the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force led the investigation along with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police as well as police departments from Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck and Shelton.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont prosecuted the case through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Program.
"David X. Sullivan announced that DONALD OGMAN...was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 252 months of imprisonment..." according to a statement from the U.S Attorney’s Office.
