Two men involved in the distribution of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as fentanyl powder mixed with xylazine, have been sentenced to prison. David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven sentenced Markeyese Kelly, also known as “Curry” and “Keyse,” 46, of West Haven, to 138 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Jaquan Price, also known as “Sub,” 34, of New Haven, received a sentence of 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
Court documents and statements revealed that an investigation by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force began in October 2023 into a drug trafficking organization led by Kelly. The investigation included controlled purchases of narcotics in February and March 2024. It was found that Kelly, Price, and their associate Robert Covington sold various controlled substances including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy but containing methamphetamine; counterfeit oxycodone pills with fentanyl; fentanyl powder laced with xylazine; and PCP.
Kelly, Price, and Covington were arrested on May 14, 2024. On that day investigators executed multiple search warrants seizing more than a kilogram of methamphetamine pills along with additional quantities of meth powder; over 100 grams of fentanyl pills and powder; approximately 50 grams of cocaine; three handguns; two loaded gun magazines; ammunition; and more than $11,000 in cash.
On February 21, 2025, Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. Price pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Both men have been detained since their arrests. In April 2015 Price was previously sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to a term for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Covington has pleaded guilty but is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force alongside the New Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), East Haven Police Department Milford Police Department Wallingford Police Department Connecticut State Police Connecticut Department Correction.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick Nathan Guevremont are prosecuting this case through Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program whose details can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF
