Harry Whitley, 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on Mar. 19 before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gun violence and drug trafficking in Connecticut communities.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Whitley was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven on November 4, 2024. He was arrested shortly after in Waterbury while possessing fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with an extended magazine and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device known as a "Glock switch." At the time of his arrest, Whitley had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation.
Whitley's criminal history includes previous state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses. He has been detained since his arrest.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, described as "a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime."
