11 Gang Members Charged In Hartford Drugs, Weapons Case: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — Eleven people have been charged on gang-related drug distribution charges, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. The men are facing various federal charges for the distribution of fentanyl and other drugs as well as illegal possession of firearms.

The arrests follow an investigation into gang-related drug distribution by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including the East Hartford Police Department and Connecticut State Police.

The investigation has included numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, according to the statement.

A grand jury in Hartford returned seven indictments charging 10 of the defendants on Sept. 11. All those charged are presently detained.

Law enforcement also conducted four federal search warrants and recovered two firearms in the home of one those charged.

According to the statement, the following Hartford residents were charged:

Pedro Alvarado, 43, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that, on Alvarado possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model 422, .22 caliber handgun, and marijuana. Alvarado has a previous conviction for felony risk of injury, assault, larceny and narcotics offenses.

Haneef Brooks, 40, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Brooks possessed a 7.62x39mm Norinco SKS rifle. He has a previous conviction in state court of felony weapon possession and drug offenses.

Nathaniel DeJesus, 19, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base.

Brian Evans, 20, and Jordan Maddox, 22, were charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. The indictment alleges that Evans and Maddox distributed the drug on multiple occasions in July and August 2019. During one of the transactions, Maddox also distributed a quantity of crack cocaine. A search of Evans’ residence today revealed two firearms.

Joshua Jenkins, 26, Kendall Fair, 20, and Trelique Ward, 20, are charged with various offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine. Ward was previously arrested for a state parole violation and is currently in state custody.

Shaun Hawkins, 42, was charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base, related to his distribution of the drug on three occasions in August and September 2019.

Christian Patterson, 19, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of cocaine base, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. It is alleged that Patterson distributed the drugs in August and September 2019.

McClendon Jones, 39, of Bloomfield, was charged with possession with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, PCP and marijuana.

Prosecutors allege that Jones sped away from investigators who were conducting a traffic stop in Hartford. Jones’ vehicle struck a city transit bus and then another vehicle before it crashed into a fence on Mahl Avenue.

A police search of his vehicle revealed approximately 47 grams of crack cocaine, a half-pound of marijuana, 100 bags of packaged fentanyl, and 60 bags of packaged heroin.

A subsequent search of Jones’ residence revealed a glass jar containing approximately 28 grams of liquid PCP, 1,000 bags of packaged fentanyl/heroin, 145 grams of powder cocaine, 350 grams of crack, 27 grams of fentanyl, 230 grams of raw heroin, 12 pounds of marijuana, and $8,000 in cash. Jones has been detained since his arrest.