United States Drug Enforcement Administration

HARTFORD, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jamie Coleman, also known as “City,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a crack cocaine trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

Scott regularly supplied Coleman with crack cocaine, which Coleman sold to his own customers.

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation, and 24 defendants have been convicted on charges in the indictment or related charges.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.

On December 2, 2014, Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking offense.
Scott has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants.  The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.