Two People Sentenced In Bridgeport Murder Plot Case: U.S. Attorney

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Two men were sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on gun charges in connection with a murder plot, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

The investigation began on April 2, 2018, after Bridgeport police tried to pull over a car that had its headlights off during the early morning hours, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

Occupants tossed two loaded handguns and marijuana while being pursued, according to the U.S. attorney's office. The car was stopped several blocks away and driver Luis Mercado, 55, of Bridgeport and another person were arrested. Officers also found a black ski mask, binoculars and a container of gasoline in the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed a plot to murder a person and set fire to the Wood Avenue Body Shop in Bridgeport where the person worked, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Police arrested three more people, including Luis Mejias, 35, of Waterbury at a hotel in Milford later that day. Officers found a rifle, revolver, AR-15 rifle, 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, brass knuckles and other items in the hotel room. Heroin, ecstasy pills, marijuana and a digital scale were also found in the hotel room.

Mejias and Mercado pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and were sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Three other defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.