Hartford Man Pleads Guilty To Dealing Cocaine: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man faces at least five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a cocaine trafficking charge stemming from a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation earlier this year, federal prosecutors said.

Jose Colon, 61, also known as “Uncle Benny,” pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.

Colon waived his right to be indicted before entering the plea.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation in January and February found that Colon attempted to purchase several kilograms of cocaine and had a large amount of cash available to complete a purchase.

Investigators arrested Colon and two associates Feb. 19 at Colon's residence on Pearl Street in Hartford, prosecutors said.

A court-authorized search of the residence turned up about $52,000 in cash, according to federal authorities.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years.

Russell scheduled Colon's sentencing for Nov. 12. Colon has remained in custody since his arrest, according to prosecutors.

Federal authorities said the DEA's Hartford Task Force investigated with personnel from the Connecticut State Police and police departments in Hartford and several other Connecticut communities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham is prosecuting the case.

For information on the case, click on this link.