A Norwich man waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty Wednesday in New Haven federal court to conspiracy to distribute and to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

In June of last year, law enforcement received word that Joseph Barros, 31, was distributing cocaine and other drugs in southeastern Connecticut, according to court documents and statements made in court. Law enforcement then made three controlled purchases of cocaine from Barros, and a wiretap investigation later revealed that he also was supplying cocaine to local distributors.

Barros then was arrested on Dec. 21, 2017.

The investigation was led by the New London FBI Task Force with assistance from the Norwich Police Department, and the case is being prosecuted by Asssistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

Barros, who has been released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 31 and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.