United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

HARTFORD RAPPER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE WRIGHT, also known as “Gunz,” age 27, formerly of 114 Westbourne Parkway, Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. On August 23, WRIGHT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter stems from a five-month investigation by an FBI-led task force that included the use of a variety of investigative techniques including controlled purchases of crack cocaine, federal wiretaps, physical surveillance, and the execution of search and seizure warrants. The investigation followed an increase in violent crime in the South Marshall Street area of Hartford and focused on drug trafficking activity and associated violence connected with the “South Marshall Street Crew.” To date, this ongoing investigation has resulted in the indictment of 32 defendants on federal narcotics and firearms charges.

Search and seizure warrants were executed during the investigation, leading to the recovery of more than a quarter kilogram of crack cocaine, more than five pounds of marijuana, more than two kilograms of powder cocaine, and more than $15,000 in cash.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, WRIGHT was intercepted during the wiretap phase of the investigation negotiating for the purchase and sale of crack cocaine. WRIGHT was also arrested by Hartford Police while the investigation was ongoing in June 2005. At that time he was found to be in possession of approximately 13 grams of crack cocaine and made a statement to authorities acknowledging that he had earlier obtained approximately 60 grams of crack cocaine. In pleading guilty, WRIGHT admitted that he conspired with Jeffrey Gray and others to distribute between 50 and 150 grams of crack.

During court proceedings, WRIGHT disclosed that he is a rap artist under the name “Gunz Dinero.” The Government disclosed in court that many of WRIGHT’s songs on his CD Get It In extol and glorify the “drug life” in Hartford. When WRIGHT expressed concern for his children growing up in Hartford, the Government noted the irony of the statement, in that WRIGHT’s conduct contributed to crime in Hartford.

U.S. Attorney O’Connor commended the investigation of this matter that was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Chief States Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by James I. Glasser, Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Kang.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov