NORWALK — A Bridgeport man was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for narcotics trafficking, following an investigation that involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Jermel Bates, 28, known by the aliases “Mel Kitty” and “Kitty,” received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven today.
After serving his prison term, Bates will be subject to four years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery announced the sentencing, which comes after Bates pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Bates’ criminal activities came to light on June 25, when he crashed his vehicle into a parked car and left the scene.
A search of his vehicle by law enforcement unearthed a stash of drugs including fentanyl pills, wax paper folds with fentanyl, and a significant quantity of crack cocaine.
On March 19, Bates was arrested on a federal complaint, with further searches of his person and Newfield Avenue apartment revealing thousands of fentanyl pills and more quantities of crack cocaine.
Since his federal arrest, Bates has been in custody.
His guilty plea on May 10 was for charges that included possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
The FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force led the investigation with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department and the Norwalk Police Department.
The task force includes members from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the police departments of Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull.
