Middletown Man Guilty of Fed Firearms, Narcotics Crimes

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found Jeff Spruill, 30, of Middletown, guilty of narcotics distribution and firearm offenses. 

The jury returned the verdict Friday following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny.       

According to the evidence at trial, on June 12, 2012, officers from the Middletown Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Spruill. 

On Aug. 14, 2012, officers made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Spruill.       

He was arrested on August 28, 2012, after a search of his person revealed quantities of marijuana and cocaine.  A subsequent search of a residence connected to Spruill revealed a loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, a loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver.       

Prior to August 2012, Spurill had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut, including criminal possession of a weapon and sale of hallucinogens/narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The jury found Spruill guilty of one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of distribution of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

The jury also found Spruill guilty of one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10.

This case was investigated by the Middletown Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Natasha M. Dye and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gustafson.