CT gang leader on supervised release charged with trafficking methamphetamine pills, crack cocaine

The alleged leader of a violent New Haven gang has been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges, officials said.

A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment on Monday charging 42-year-old Donald Ogman, also known as “Mainey-O” and ”Manny O,” with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Federal officials allege that Ogman has been a leader of the Grape Street Crips. In 2012, the FBI charged Ogman in connection with his role in the Grape Street Crips, including drug trafficking offenses. Ogman pleaded guilty to narcotics offenses and was sentenced to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release on March 10, 2015, according to court records.

In August 2022, a federal judge granted Ogman’s motion for compassionate release and reduced his sentence to time served, court records show. He was released from prison.

Federal officials alleged that Ogman resumed his drug trafficking activity while on federal supervised release and was distributing multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine in the New Haven area.

“The investigation included surveillance, trash pulls and controlled purchases of methamphetamine pills from Ogman in March and April 2024,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Ogman was arrested on May 9, 2024, after searches revealed additional quantities of methamphetamine, as well as crack cocaine at his residence, federal officials said.

Ogman has been detained since his arrest. He could face a life sentence on all the charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The indictment also alleges that Ogman is subject to “enhanced penalties” due to his previous drug conviction.  If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.