New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug-Related Firearm Offense

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HARRY WHITLEY, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 4, 2024, Whitley, who had an active state arrest warrant and was on probation, was observed participating in a suspected drug transaction in New Haven. He was arrested a short time later in Waterbury. At the time of his arrest, Whitley possessed fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone; a Glock 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine; and a Glock-style machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a "Glock switch."

Whitley's criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and larceny offenses.

Whitley has been detained since his arrest. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 19, 2026.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Nathan Guevremont.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.