Judge Sentences Pair to 10 Years for Cocaine Trafficking
Reginald Rogers and Lester Arrington were sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for drug distribution.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Drug Crime
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U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill sentenced Reginald Rogers and Lester Arrington to 120 months in federal prison for trafficking 21 kilograms of cocaine. The men were arrested after Connecticut State Police discovered the drugs hidden in their vehicle during a traffic stop.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows the defendants pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute large quantities of narcotics. Their conviction marks the conclusion of a case involving a significant seizure of controlled substances intercepted while being transported through the region.
Reginald Rogers and Lester Arrington each received 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The defendants are currently released on a $150,000 bond until they report to prison.
The players
Stefan R. Underhill
He is a U.S. District Judge serving in the District of Connecticut.
Reginald Rogers
A Woodbridge resident who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Lester Arrington
A Naugatuck resident who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Connecticut State Police
The state law enforcement agency responsible for the initial traffic stop and recovery of the narcotics.
The details
Law enforcement officers conducted a K9 sniff on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek stopped in Trumbull on February 23, 2026, which alerted to the presence of narcotics. Investigators subsequently located 21 kilograms of cocaine stashed in compartments under the front seats of the car.
Timeline
February 23, 2026: The defendants were arrested following a vehicle stop in Trumbull.
October 27, 2026: Lester Arrington received his sentence in Bridgeport.
October 30, 2026: Reginald Rogers received his sentence in Bridgeport.
January 13, 2027: Both defendants must report to federal prison to begin their sentences.
Legal Context
This sentencing reflects federal sentencing guidelines established under the Controlled Substances Act for major drug trafficking offenses. Cases of this scale involving multi-kilogram seizures remain a primary focus for federal prosecutors targeting interstate drug distribution networks.
The seizure of 21 kilograms of cocaine represents a significant removal of narcotics from the local supply chain. The outcome of this case confirms that area law enforcement and federal agencies continue to monitor major thoroughfares for drug trafficking activity.
The takeaway
This case highlights the risks associated with transporting illicit narcotics across state lines. Residents should remain aware that local law enforcement agencies frequently utilize K9 units and specialized training to intercept illegal substances during routine traffic stops.
What happens next
Reginald Rogers and Lester Arrington are scheduled to report to federal prison on January 13, 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on regional law enforcement efforts, visit the Drug Crime section.
Live Poll
Do you believe current prison sentences for large-scale drug trafficking are an effective deterrent?
