John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO ALVARADO, 43, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of marijuana from Alvarado. On July 24, 2019, a court-authorized search of Alvarado’s residence revealed a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model 422,.22 caliber handgun, and approximately two pounds of marijuana.
Alvarado’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for risk of injury, assault, larceny and narcotics offenses. Federal law prohibits the possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. It is also a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Alvarado faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Alvarado is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
