By DJ Harding
In Meriden Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado have announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Miguel Acevedo, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses.
As the alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden police arrested acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. On that date investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash.
While Acevedo was released on bond in his state case in December of 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo.
On February 14, 2023 Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. A search of his residence on that same date revealed approximately 50 grams of cocaine and more than $3,00 in cash.
The indictment, which was returned on March 1, charges Acevedo with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the cash and two vehicles owned by Acevedo and the cash that was seized on the date of his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acevedo, who had been released on bond after his federal arrest, appeared on March 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven for a bond violation hearing and was ordered detained.
The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited, while the state charges Acevedo stemming from that june 2021 incident which he was arrested are pending.
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