Police Nab Two After Month-Long Drug Investigation

Two people were arrested inside an apartment at a public housing project in uptown Norwalk Friday morning following a month-long investigation into narcotics sales at that location, police said.

Members of the Special Services Division arrived at 16 School St., apartment 20, at 5:45 a.m., said division Commander Lt. Thomas Mattera at a news conference following the operation.

Inside they found Karrem McClendon, who resides in the apartment, and Natalie Felder, who lives at 16 Knapp St., Mattera said.

Officers also located more than $3,700 cash, 42 rocks of crack cocaine worth $20 each, and a larger rock of crack cocaine worth $100, he said.

The investigation was initiated because of residents' complaints, Mattera said, and involved using undercover assets and buys, and surveillance.

Mattera credited Officer Anthony Depanfilis with leading the investigation. He also thanked the residents of 16 School St. for assisting officers during the investigation.

McClendeon, 34, and Felder, 32, were each charged with illegal possession or control of a narcotic substance; illegal  manufacture, distribution or sale of cocaine; possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory situation; illegal possession or control of a narcotic substance within 1,500 feet of a school; illegal manufacturing, distribution or sale of cocaine within 1,500 feet of a school; and risk of injury to a minor.

Mattera said a 10-year-old boy was also in the apartment, resulting in the risk charge.