A Hartford man has pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine.
Jose Colon, also known as “Uncle Benny,” 61, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court in New Haven, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
Colon pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a minimum mandatory of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. He is scheduled to face sentencing on Nov. 12.
According to federal officials, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force was carried out in January and February. Investigators found that Colon tried to buy several kilograms of cocaine and had a “large amount” of cash with him, officials said.
On Feb. 19, investigators arrested Colon and two “associates” at his residence on Pearl Street in Hartford. Authorities raided the home and reportedly found about $52,000.
Colon has been detained since his arrest.
His prior criminal history includes a federal conviction in October 2015 for trafficking heroin, officials said. He is also on state probation following a conviction for second-degree sexual assault, officials said.