Waterbury Man Admits Role in Bridgeport Drug Robbery Attempt

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAREEM PORTER, also known as “Reem,” 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a federal robbery offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Porter, Andy Marte, and Tyrone Allen drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at an apartment in which they believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds.  Marte instructed Porter and Allen, who had a crowbar, to carry out the robbery while Marte remained in the car and to serve as a getaway driver.  Marte also contacted Jermaine Bethel, who arrived to participate in the robbery.  After failing to enter the apartment, Porter, Allen, and Bethel returned to the vehicle where they were encountered by law enforcement.  Officers searched the vehicle and its occupants and seized two handguns, which Marte had brought to the robbery, and the crowbar.

Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 2.

Porter is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

Marte, Allen, and Bethel previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen Peck.