Two men involved in the distribution of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as fentanyl powder mixed with xylazine, have been sentenced to prison. U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven handed down the sentences.
Markeyese Kelly, also known as "Curry" and "Keyse," aged 46 from West Haven, received a sentence of 138 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Jaquan Price, also known as "Sub," aged 34 from New Haven, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
The FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Kelly in October 2023. The investigation revealed that Kelly, Price, and their associate Robert Covington were involved in selling controlled substances such as methamphetamine disguised as ecstasy pills, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, fentanyl powder laced with xylazine, and PCP.
The arrests occurred on May 14, 2024. During the operation, authorities seized over a kilogram of methamphetamine pills and powder, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pills and powder, approximately 50 grams of cocaine, three handguns with loaded magazines and ammunition, along with over $11,000 in cash.
Kelly pleaded guilty on February 21, 2025 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Price entered a guilty plea on March 21, 2025 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Both individuals have remained detained since their arrests. Price had previously been sentenced in April 2015 to 30 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Covington has pleaded guilty but is yet to be sentenced.
The investigation was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and several local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan Guevremont under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program.
