Guilty Plea For Bridgeport Man In Federal Robbery Case: U.S. Attorney

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 27-year-old Bridgeport man pleaded guilty last week in connection with a federal robbery offense from 2023, announced United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.

Jermaine Bethel, 27, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty Feb. 15 in Bridgeport federal court to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a potential maximum prison term of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven on May 7.

According to court documents and statements, on April 28, Bethel and three associates drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at one of the apartments. Prosecutors said the suspects believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds in the unit.

"Bethel, wearing gloves and a surgical mask, and two associates, one of whom carried a crowbar, entered the apartment building," according to Avery's announcement. "Bethel’s third associate stayed in the vehicle to serve as a getaway driver. After failing to enter the apartment, Bethel and his associates returned to the vehicle, where they were encountered by a law enforcement."

When officers searched the vehicle and the occupants, they found and seized two handguns and the crowbar. Additionally, when Bethel was searched, authorities found 45 small bags containing crack cocaine.

Bethel has been detained since his April 2023 arrest.

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.