A federal grand jury in New Haven has indicted Harry Whitley, 22, on charges of drug distribution and firearm possession. The announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with James Ferguson from the ATF Boston Field Division, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, and Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman.
The indictment, returned on March 12, 2025, follows Whitley's appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport where he pleaded not guilty. Whitley has been detained since his arrest on November 4, 2024, related to state charges.
Court documents reveal that Whitley was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven while on probation with an active state arrest warrant. He was later arrested in Waterbury with fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, a Glock 17 pistol with an extended magazine, and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device known as a "Glock switch."
Whitley's criminal history reportedly includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition that have moved through interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Whitley with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone—offenses carrying a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years. Additionally, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries up to 15 years imprisonment; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries at least five years consecutive sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt: "Charges are only allegations," he said. "A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New Haven Police Department, and Connecticut State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont are prosecuting the case.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative utilizing resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.