Enrique Dellvalle-Perez, 39, of Waterbury, has been charged by indictment with drug distribution and firearm offenses, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut David X. Sullivan announced on Mar. 24.
The case centers on allegations that Dellvalle-Perez distributed cocaine and crack cocaine in the Waterbury area. According to court documents and statements made in court, a search of his residence on Bucks Hill Road on September 25 revealed more than four kilograms of cocaine and a loaded Glock 27 semi-automatic pistol. Dellvalle-Perez was arrested that day based on a federal criminal complaint.
Authorities also allege that Dellvalle-Perez has prior state felony drug convictions. The grand jury indictment includes charges for possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine—which carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years—possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (with an additional mandatory consecutive term), and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (which carries up to fifteen years imprisonment).
Sullivan said, "an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Dellavalle is currently released on $150,000 bond.
This prosecution falls under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The task force brings together agencies including the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Connecticut State Police as well as local police departments from several cities.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and Justyn P. Stokely are prosecuting the case.
