New Haven Man Who Sold Crack, Guns Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICAL BETHEA, also known as “Kareem,” 26, formerly of Grand Avenue, New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. On June 29, 2010, BETHEA pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and April 2009, BETHEA sold crack cocaine on two occasions to an individual working with law enforcement. During the same period, BETHEA also sold two firearms to individuals working with law enforcement.

As part of his plea agreement, BETHEA admitted his role in the drug and firearms transactions. Prior to this federal prosecution, BETHEA had been convicted of four felony offenses.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force and the New Haven Police Department pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. The case was 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.