News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2006

New Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug and Gun Charges

NOV 15 -- June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEANDRE MITCHELL, age 35, of 26 Compton Street, New Haven, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, MITCHELL was arrested by federal agents in the Bronx on July 27, 2006, in possession of approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine and 500 grams of powder cocaine, which he had just received from his narcotics source of supply. Following his arrest, agents discovered a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol and ammunition, together with $3,500 in cash and paraphernalia used in narcotics trafficking, in a safe at MITCHELL’s residence.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for February 12, 2007, at which time MITCHELL faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.

This case has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.