New Haven Man, 22, Indicted On Drug Trafficking, Firearm Charges: Feds

NEW HAVEN, CT —A federal grand jury indicted a 22-year-old New Haven man on with drug trafficking and gun charges, according to the U.S. Attorney for CT.

Harry Whitley pleaded not guilty to the charges, Acting U. S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman said.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Silverman said that on Nov. 4, 2024, Whitley, who had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation, was seen "participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven."

Arrested a short time later in Waterbury, Silverman said Whitley had in his possession fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, and a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a 'Glock switch.'"

Silverman said, and court records show, Whitley’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses. The U.S. Attorney pointed out in a news release that it's a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

According to the federal prosecutor, the indictment charges Whitley with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, which carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. The indictment also charges Whitley with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum of 15 years and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years, Silverman said

The case was investigated by the ATF, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont.