West Haven Man Accused of New Year’s Day Carjacking

MERIDEN, CT – A West Haven man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly strong-arming two victims out of their vehicle on New Year’s Day, 2016. DON MEEKER, 30, was arrested today following a federal grand jury indictment, according to Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

The indictment details a brazen carjacking that took place in Meriden, where MEEKER allegedly used threats of violence to steal a 2015 Volkswagen Passat from the two unnamed victims. The incident, occurring on January 1, 2016, suggests a particularly callous disregard for the safety of others, initiating the new year with a violent act.

MEEKER appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was immediately ordered detained, signaling the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the case. He is charged with one count of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, a charge that carries a potential 15-year prison sentence.

This isn’t a solo operation, however. ELBERT LLORENS and KYLE VALENTINE, both of New Haven, have already pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in the carjacking. Both remain detained and are awaiting sentencing, suggesting a coordinated criminal effort. Authorities haven’t detailed the specific roles of Llorens and Valentine, but their guilty pleas indicate complicity.

U.S. Attorney Daly was quick to emphasize that an indictment is not a conviction. “Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” she stated. The legal process will now unfold, giving MEEKER the opportunity to mount a defense.

The investigation into the carjacking was a collaborative effort, involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and multiple local police departments – East Haven, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, and West Haven. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito is prosecuting the case, aiming to secure a conviction and bring justice to the victims. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

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