A New Haven man has been indicted on charges related to cocaine trafficking, as announced by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England. The federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment against Roberto Lozada, also known as Roberto Lozado and "Omi," aged 51.
The indictment was filed on November 14, 2024. Lozada appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2024.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information on October 1 that Lozada would deliver a half-kilogram of cocaine to an unknown individual near Forbes Avenue and Woodward Avenue in New Haven. Investigators conducted surveillance and stopped Lozada upon his arrival at the location. A search revealed approximately 553 grams of cocaine in a backpack he was carrying.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Avery emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt; it contains only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force with members from various law enforcement agencies including the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police, and several local police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe is prosecuting the case.