U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury in Hartford has indicted Roberto Lozada, also known as Roberto Lozado and "Omi," for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.
The indictment against Lozada, 51, from New Haven, was returned on November 14, 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Lozada has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2024.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information about a planned delivery of half a kilogram of cocaine by Lozada to an unknown individual near Forbes Avenue and Woodward Avenue in New Haven. Investigators conducted surveillance and stopped Lozada upon his arrival at the location. A search revealed approximately 553 grams of cocaine in a backpack he was carrying.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Avery emphasized that an indictment is not evidence of guilt: "Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force with participation from several law enforcement agencies including the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police along with police departments from New Haven and surrounding areas.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe is prosecuting the case.
