Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Christian Pichardo, also known as "Swerve," "Craig," and "Bobby Shmurda," 30, from Hamden, has pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense.
Court documents and statements indicate that Pichardo was identified as a major distributor of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack, and narcotic pills in southwestern Connecticut. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, involving intercepted calls, text messages, and controlled purchases of narcotics through authorized wiretaps of Pichardo, his associates, and drug customers.
On July 17, 2024, a grand jury in Bridgeport charged Pichardo and seven alleged co-conspirators with controlled substances offenses. Pichardo admitted to conspiracy involving the distribution and intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and other opioids. This charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment, with a maximum of 40 years. His sentencing is set for June 26.
Pichardo has been detained since his arrest on August 5, 2024. The investigation continues by the FBI's Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Kenneth L. Gresham, part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. The OCDETF leverages federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to target drug traffickers, money launderers, and criminal organizations. More details can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.