Hartford Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Heading Gang-Related Narcotics Trafficking Ring

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MELKUAN SCOTT, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 25, of Hartford and Andover, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for heading a gang-related narcotics trafficking operation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes the Hartford Police Department, into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of WestHell street gang, and gang-related violent activity.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified SCOTT as the leader of the WestHell street gang who, along with numerous associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.  The investigation also revealed that SCOTT and his associates used an apartment on Love Lane in Hartford to convert, or “cook,” cocaine into crack cocaine.

SCOTT was arrested on April 15, 2014, after he coordinated a quarter-kilogram crack cocaine transaction.  On that date, a search of SCOTT’s Andover residence revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol with two magazines, and nine cell phones.  A search of his Hartford residence revealed bundles of cash and items used to process and package narcotics.  A search of the Love Lane apartment revealed two firearms, one of which was loaded, and appliances and utensils used to manufacture crack cocaine.

SCOTT has been detained since his arrest.  On May 5, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  One defendant was convicted after trial and 23 defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending. 

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.