Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a narcotics trafficking ring operating in southwestern Connecticut, according to David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea handed down the sentences last month in Hartford.
Ronald Vincent, 30, of Stratford, received a sentence of 84 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on October 17. Marquis Jones, 30, of Derby, was sentenced on October 20 to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Court documents and statements presented during proceedings revealed that 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 key supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors. The investigation involved court-authorized wiretaps intercepting calls and text messages between Pichardo and his associates, including Vincent and Jones. Law enforcement also conducted controlled purchases and seized drugs from those involved.
Some substances confiscated during the investigation were found to be mixed with fentanyl analogues, nitazines—synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl—and xylazine, which is commonly used as a tranquilizer for large animals.
Both Vincent and Jones resided in Bridgeport during the investigation period. Vincent was described as a close associate of Pichardo who primarily trafficked fentanyl. Jones distributed both fentanyl and crack cocaine to gang members and others.
Vincent and Jones were arrested on August 5, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They were released on $100,000 bonds pending their surrender dates—December 16 for Vincent and January 7 for Jones.
Christian Pichardo previously pleaded guilty to a related charge and was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to twelve years in prison.
The case was 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 prosecuted the case through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. More information about OCDETF is available at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
