Drugs, Guns Seized In Naugatuck, Bridgeport Arrests: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — Two convicted felons were arrested Tuesday in connection with a lengthy investigation into drug sales in Bridgeport and Naugatuck, according to authorities.

The investigation was launched after authorities were informed that Michael Newsome, a convicted felon, was in the possession of guns and selling drugs in both Bridgeport and Naugatuck, officials said.

Newsome, 37, of Bridgeport, and James Howard, 26, of Bridgeport, were arrested Oct. 13 by detectives from Connecticut State Police and the Naugatuck and Bridgeport police departments – working in the Statewide Narcotics Task Force Gang Unit.

Newsome was found at an address in Naugatuck. Howard, a convicted felon and associate of Newsome’s, was located at an address in Bridgeport, according to officials.

Detectives also found that Newsome was in the possession of $7,639 in cash, 59 grams of fentanyl-heroin, 14 grams of marijuana and drug packaging materials, officials said.

Police also seized a loaded Taurus .9mm handgun with a high capacity magazine and $2,158 in cash in Howard’s possession, according to officials.

Newsome was arrested on charges of possession with intent to sell and risk of injury to child. He was held in lieu of a $400,000 bond with a court date of Oct. 14.

Howard was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, second-degree reckless endangerment, failure to store firearm: minor access, illegal transfer/purchase of a pistol/revolver and risk of injury to a minor. He was held in lieu of a $400,000 bond with a court date of Oct. 14.

“The efforts by CSP, BPD and NPD not only led to arrests, but the removal of narcotics and firearms from the streets of our communities,” police said. “We want to reassure that the public interest and safety is our main priority.”