HARTFORD — A 41-year-old Waterbury man, Robert Amatruda — also known as “Bubba” and “Spanky” — has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine, according to U.S. Attorney David Sullivan.
Following his prison term, Amatruda will serve four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on July 31, 2023.
Federal officials say Amatruda was tied to a broader investigation into drug trafficking in the Waterbury area. Authorities identified Jose Duprey as a central figure in the case, allegedly dealing large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
According to Sullivan, Duprey used both his workplace and his girlfriend’s business on Straits Turnpike in Middlebury as drug storage and distribution points.
Wiretapped conversations captured Amatruda coordinating with Duprey to buy and sell cocaine. Officials said he not only purchased drugs to distribute but at times supplied Duprey with cocaine as well.
Amatruda, Duprey, and 12 others were arrested on May 25, 2022. On the same day, searches of Duprey’s Waterbury home and a Middlebury stash house uncovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms each of heroin and fentanyl, and over $107,000 in cash.
Duprey was previously sentenced to nearly 12 years (141 months) in federal prison.
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