CT man pleads guilty to role in botched robbery of alleged drug apartment
A Waterbury man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a botched robbery in Bridgeport where the suspects believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds.
Kareem Porter, also known as “Reem,” 25, appeared Wednesday in New Haven where he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Porter is free on $50,000 bond while he awaits sentencing, which has been scheduled for July 2.
According to federal officials, Porter, Andy Marte and Tyrone Allen allegedly drove to Bridgeport on April 28, 2023, to commit a robbery at an apartment building where they thought they would find drugs and drug proceeds. Officials allege that Marte instructed Porter and Allen, who had a crowbar, to carry out the robbery while Marte stayed in the car as the getaway driver.
Marte also contacted Jermaine Bethel to participate in the robbery, federal officials allege. Unable to get into the apartment, Porter, Allen and Bethel returned to the vehicle and were confronted by law enforcement, officials said. Authorities searched the vehicle and the suspects and reportedly found two handguns, which Marte had brought to the robbery, and the crowbar, officials said.
Marte, Allen and Bethel have all pleaded guilty to the same charge as Porter and are awaiting sentencing.