Donald Ogman, also known by his street names "Mainey-O" and "Manny O," has admitted to distributing methamphetamine and crack cocaine in New Haven while on supervised release. Ogman, 43, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford, with his trial initially scheduled to begin on the same day.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Marc H. Silverman, shared that Ogman's criminal activities are connected to his leadership role in the Grape Street Crips, a New Haven gang involved in violent crimes and drug trafficking. Ogman was previously arrested by the FBI in 2012 for narcotics offenses and sentenced to 188 months in prison, along with five years of supervised release. He was granted compassionate release in August 2022 and was released after serving part of his sentence.
After his release, Ogman resumed drug trafficking, distributing methamphetamine pills in the New Haven area. The investigation into his activities included surveillance, trash pulls, and controlled drug purchases.
Following his arrest on May 9, 2024, authorities found more methamphetamine and crack cocaine in his possession and residence. Ogman pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, and Ogman faces a minimum of 10 years in prison due to his prior conviction for a serious drug felony. Additional penalties may apply for violating the terms of his supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force, which includes multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. The program aims to dismantle drug traffickers and criminal organizations through collaborative law enforcement efforts.