South Carolina Man Trafficked Drugs Into Bridgeport: Feds

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A South Carolina man involved in trafficking drugs into Bridgeport has been sentenced to five years in prison, according to federal prosecutors. Carlitos Molina, aka "Carlos," 48, of Lexington, SC will also serve five years of supervised release.

In December 2018, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Molina was transporting kilogram-quantities of heroin and cocaine to Connecticut from his home in South Carolina.

He and his nephew, Efrain Molina, then sold the drugs in and around Bridgeport, according to the statement. In January 2019, members of the DEA and Bridgeport Police Department arranged a controlled purchase of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 400 grams of heroin from the Molinas in exchange for $53,000.

On Jan. 17, Carlitos and Efrain Molina were arrested after they arrived at location in Bridgeport in possession of drugs.

Carlitos Molina has been detained since his arrest and pleaded guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Carlitos Molina has an extensive criminal history and, at time of this offense, was on parole in the State of Georgia for trafficking methamphetamine. He faces the remaining 10 years of a 20-year state sentence when he is released from federal custody, according to the statement.

Efrain Molina, aka "Frankie," pleaded guilty earlier this month and is awaiting sentencing.

The case has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.