Synthetic Drug Distributor Pleads Guilty

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL YOUNG, 48, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a suspicious package destined for Young’s Bridgeport residence.  The package had been shipped from a California business that purportedly marketed and sold herbal products for smoking.  A court-authorized search of the package revealed a leafy plant-like substance commonly used as a base to absorb synthetic drugs dissolved in liquid form.  Investigators learned that Young has a state criminal conviction from 2014 related to the distribution of synthetic drugs, and that two international shipments containing synthetic drugs destined for Young’s residence had been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in November 2016 and July 2018.

On August 21, 2018, a court-authorized search of Young’s residence revealed more than a kilogram of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, approximately 21 grams of Phencyclidine (PCP) in liquid form, drug packaging materials and $1,700 in cash.

Young has been detained since August 21.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2019, at which time Young faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.