United States of America v. Melkuan Scott a/k/a “Mel,” “Young God,” “Young,” and “YG,”

Hartford, Connecticut criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with 012 Drug-Related Murder

Man Convicted of 2012 Drug-Related Murder in Hartford

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found MELKUAN SCOTT, also known as "Mel,” "Young God,” "Young,” and "YG,” 34, guilty of the drug-related murder of Serafin Velez, 27, in Hartford on February 16, 2012.



According to the evidence introduced during the trial, the murder was in retaliation for a failed marijuana transaction that cost Scott and others tens of thousands of dollars. Velez and an associate had brokered the marijuana deal with individuals in New York. After receiving the cash, the New York individuals gave Scott and his associates fake marijuana. After the failed transaction, Scott forced Velez into a vehicle and ultimately drove him to Waverly Street, where Scott and an associate shot and killed Velez.



The jury found Scott guilty of kidnapping resulting in Velez's death, and with causing the death of Velez through the use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Scott faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.



Scott, formerly of Hartford, has been detained in federal custody since April 2014 and recently completed a 13-year federal sentence for another offense.



This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham, Robert S. Ruff, and Christopher J. Lembo.