New Haven Man Charged with Distribution of Crack Cocaine

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an Indictment today charging MICAL BETHEA, also known as “Kareem,” 25, of Grand Avenue, New Haven, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

The Indictment alleges that, on or about March 3, 2009 and March 10, 2009, BETHEA distributed five grams or more of crack cocaine.

If convicted, BETHEA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum of term of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of up to $2 million on each count.

BETHEA has been detained in state custody since his arrest on August 10, 2009.

U.S. Attorney Dannehy stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department and the Statewide Narcotics Task Force pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mattei.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.