Meriden Man Pleads Guilty In Cocaine Dealing Case

MERIDEN, CT - A Meriden man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges Thursday, according to a statement from the US District Attorney's office. Joel Cruz, 35, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

In September 2017, Cruz allegedly engaged state police in a high-speed chase on I-95 in Milford to I-91 in New Haven. During that chase Cruz threw a bag containing 1 kilogram of cocaine from the vehicle. When police caught Cruz, they said he was in possession of $34,360 in cash.

He will face sentencing in November with a minimum term of five years in prison. He was released on bond pending sentencing. To sign up for Meriden breaking news alerts and more, click here.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Milford Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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