Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking Charge

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JOSE COLON, also known as "Uncle Benny," 61, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to a cocaine trafficking charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January and February 2026, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force revealed that Colon attempted to purchase several kilograms of cocaine and was in possession of a large amount of cash to complete a purchase. On February 19, 2026, investigators arrested Colon and two associates at Colon's residence on Pearl Street in Hartford. A court-authorized search of the residence revealed approximately $52,000 in cash.

Colon pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Judge Russell scheduled sentencing for November 12.

Colon has been detained since his arrest.

Colon's criminal history includes a federal heroin trafficking conviction in October 2015, and he is currently on state probation following a conviction for sexual assault in the second degree.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration's Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

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.