Meriden Man Sentenced On Cocaine Trafficking Offenses: Feds

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in connection with cocaine trafficking offenses, according to officials.

Miguel Acevedo, 42, was also sentenced Thursday to five years of supervised release following the prison term, Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Marc H. Silverman announced in a news release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Acevedo was arrested June 7, 2021 by Meriden police 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.

In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, official said investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo.

Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on Feb. 14, 2023.

“On that date, a search of his residence on South Avenue in Meriden and his business on West Main Street in Meriden revealed approximately 40 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash,” officials wrote in a news release. “At the time of his arrest, investigators also seized two vehicles owned by Acevedo, an SUV and a minivan. A search of the minivan revealed a hidden trap that contained six kilograms of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded firearm.”

After his arrest, Acevedo was released on a $60,000 appearance bond, cosigned by three sureties, according to officials.

“Within 24 hours of his release, Acevedo was observed meeting with several visitors at his home and receiving a paper bag from one visitor who was a known drug associate,” officials wrote.

Acevedo has been detained since March 1, 2023, when his bond was revoked. On July 25, 2023, Judge Kari A. Dooley granted the government’s motion to forfeit Acevedo’s appearance bond, according to officials.

Acevedo pleaded guilty in September to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited, according to officials.

Officials said Acevedo’s criminal history includes a 2008 federal narcotics trafficking conviction, for which he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.