New London Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charge

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BASHON WHITLEY, 27, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to WHITLEY and his uncle revealed approximately 14.5 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 177 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180 in cash.  WHITLEY and his uncle were arrested on state charges at that time.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2018, at which time WHITLEY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

WHITLEY has been detained since his federal arrest on January 24, 2018.

WHITLEY’s uncle has been charged with federal narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses and is detained while awaiting trial.  U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and New London Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.