BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Connecticut man was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and cocaine, U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan announced.
Andre Messam, also known as “Dre,” 49, of Derby, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill and will also serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force conducted two controlled purchases from Messam totaling approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine and five grams of cocaine in May and June 2023.
Laboratory analysis determined the methamphetamine was 100 percent pure.
Investigators then arranged to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from Messam.
On July 19, 2023, Messam fled from law enforcement officers who attempted to stop his car in North Haven as he traveled to the planned meeting location to conduct the cocaine transaction.
He was later located and arrested that day at a rental car agency on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington.
Messam possessed approximately $7,200 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Approximately two weeks later, a review of surveillance video revealed that Messam had thrown an object from the car as he drove on an entrance ramp to Interstate 91 North.
Investigators went to the area and found a kilogram brick of cocaine wrapped in cellophane.
On May 20, Messam pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine.
Messam’s criminal history includes state convictions and a federal heroin trafficking conviction.
In June 2011, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 105 months of imprisonment.
In March 2015, after federal sentencing guidelines were amended, his sentence was reduced to 81 months of imprisonment.
Messam, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on Jan. 6.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, including members from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Brookfield and New Milford Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
