Shayquan Gray, a 24-year-old from New Haven known as "Scooby," was sentenced to six years in federal prison for gun and drug offenses. U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala handed down the sentence in Hartford, which includes three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The charges stemmed from an incident on March 14, 2024, when a New Haven Police officer witnessed Gray engaging in a drug transaction at Ferry Street and English Street. Upon his arrest, authorities found Gray in possession of 80 bags of cocaine, a loaded Polymer 80 "ghost gun," and over $1,200 in cash.
Gray's criminal record includes several felony convictions such as possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and third-degree robbery. He has been detained since his arrest and pleaded guilty on August 19, 2024, to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking.
The investigation was conducted by the New Haven Police Department along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo prosecuted the case under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Justice Department initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through community engagement and strategic enforcement. More information about PSN can be found at www.justice.gov/psn.