Luis Oliver-Garcia, Cocaine Distribution and Firearm Possession, Connecticut 2024

NEW LONDON, CT - Luis Oliver-Garcia, 34, also known as 'Bebo,' was charged with cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses in a federal indictment.

Oliver-Garcia, a resident of New London, Connecticut, was arrested on June 21, 2024, after a search of his storage unit in Waterford revealed over three kilograms of cocaine, approximately $30,000 in cash, and a 9mm firearm. A search of his car also uncovered an additional quantity of cocaine and two boxes of 9mm ammunition.

The indictment alleges that the New London man was a large-scale distributor of cocaine and that the investigation revealed evidence of his involvement in the narcotics trade. Oliver-Garcia has been detained since his arrest and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven on July 2, 2024, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The charges against Oliver-Garcia include possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. He is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

Oliver-Garcia's criminal history includes state convictions for felony drug distribution and weapon possession offenses, making it a violation of federal law for him to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and various local police departments.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

Key Facts:

• Defendant: Luis Oliver-Garcia, 34, of New London, Connecticut
• Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• City and State: New London, Connecticut
• Arrest Date: June 21, 2024
• Status: Detained pending trial

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-london-man-charged-cocaine-distribution-and-firearm-possession-offenses