A Meriden man has pleaded guilty to federal cocaine trafficking charges after police allege they found 40 grams of cocaine at his residence and place of business, officials said.
Miguel Acevedo, 41, pleaded guilty Friday in New Haven to cocaine trafficking offenses including one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. At sentencing he faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison, officials said. Sentencing has not been scheduled yet.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden police officers arrested Acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. Investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash, police said.
In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, 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 allegedly revealed approximately 40 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash. 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, police said.
After his arrest, Acevedo was released on a $60,000 bond. Within 24 hours of his release, police alllege Acevedo was observed meeting with several visitors at his home and received a paper bag from one visitor who was a known drug associate. Acevedo has been detained since March 1, 2023, when his bond was revoked. On July 25, 2023, U.S. District Judge Kari Dooley granted the government’s motion to forfeit Acevedo’s bond.
The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending, officials said. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]
