A brazen display of lawlessness came to an end for Joel Cruz, a 35-year-old Meriden man, after he pleaded guilty to a cocaine trafficking charge in federal court.
On September 2, 2017, Cruz engaged Connecticut State Police in a high-speed chase from I-95 in Milford to I-91 in New Haven. During the chase, Cruz threw a package containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine from his vehicle.
When he was apprehended in the area of Exit 5 on I-91, he possessed $34,360 in cash. Cruz’s reckless actions caught the attention of law enforcement, who were able to apprehend him and recover the illicit substances.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 28, 2018. At that time, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
The cash seized at the time of his arrest will be forfeited as part of the plea agreement. The investigation into Cruz’s illicit activities was led by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Connecticut State Police, and Milford Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan. Cruz is currently out on bond pending sentencing.
The guilty plea is a significant blow to the defendant and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement to keeping our communities safe. As the sentencing date approaches, the people of Connecticut can take comfort in knowing that justice will be served.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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