Cocchia’s Lottery Sales License Is Also Suspended
HARTFORD – Today, Department of Consumer Protection (“DCP”) Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli signed a summary suspension of the package store permit and the Lottery Sales Agent License for Cocchia’s Liquor Store, located at 23 Ely Avenue, Norwalk.
This suspension is the result of a referral to the DCP Liquor Control Division from the Norwalk Police Department on August 9, 2024, regarding an investigation into illegal drug and gambling activity at the store. On August 7, 2024, Norwalk police executed search and seizure warrants and a federal arrest warrant at Cocchia’s Liquor Store following a lengthy investigation involving controlled purchases of cocaine inside the store.
While searching the liquor store, officers found several baggies of powder cocaine located in the walk-in beer cooler and on the persons of Felix Galindo-Castillo and store employee Jose Gerardo Fuentes-Lima. Officers additionally seized two facsimile handguns located on a shelf under the cash register. Officers also found seven illegal gambling machines, along with nearly $5,500 of cash and gambling receipts hidden in the machines and various liquor boxes throughout the store. Officers arrested Galindo-Gastillo, a known federal fugitive with ties to a Mexican gang. In his letter to DCP, Norwalk Police Chief James P. Walsh wrote that this location has been the site of at least ten police calls for service this year, most involving intoxicated and unconscious patrons lying in front of the store or engaging in fights inside or immediately outside the store.
“It is clear this establishment is a danger to public health and safety,” DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “In addition to this action today, our team will be investigating all other establishments associated with the ownership of Cocchia’s to ensure there is no further risk to the community. Thank you to the Norwalk Police Department for collaborating in this effort.”
The premise package store permit is immediately suspended, and the establishment is closed until further notice. The lottery sales agent license is also immediately suspended and the store cannot engage in lottery sales until further notice. A copy of the letter from Norwalk Police Chief James P. Walsh, the suspension placard, and summary suspension order are attached.
Those with concerns about a liquor permit holder in the State of Connecticut may contact DCP’s Liquor Control Division at (860) 713-6210, or by emailing dcp.liquorcontrol@ct.gov.
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