Hartford Cocaine Dealer Sentenced To Prison: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for a cocaine trafficking offense and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Ismael Roman, 47, also known as "Poochie," was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to 60 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, according to David X. Sullivan, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Federal prosecutors said the case stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force in January and February 2026.

Investigators determined that Jose Colon, also known as "Uncle Benny," was attempting to purchase several kilograms of cocaine and had access to a substantial amount of cash to complete the transaction, according to court documents and statements made in court.

On Feb. 19, investigators arranged a meeting with Colon at his residence on Pearl Street in Hartford.

Before the meeting, investigators observed Roman carrying a backpack as he and another person entered Colon's apartment, prosecutors said.

A short time later, authorities arrested Colon, Roman and the third individual after executing a court-authorized search of the residence.

During the search, investigators discovered approximately $52,000 in cash concealed inside a small cooler in the backpack, according to prosecutors.

Roman has remained in federal custody since his arrest.

On June 1, 2026, Roman pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Federal authorities said Roman had previously been sentenced in October 2022 to 41 months in prison for a separate cocaine trafficking offense.

He was serving a term of federal supervised release from that conviction when he was arrested in February.

Colon has also pleaded guilty in connection with the investigation and is awaiting sentencing, prosecutors said.

For information on the case, click on this link.