United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Norwalk, CT - Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE DE JESUS VEGA-CERVANTES, 45, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Norwalk Police Department made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Vega-Cervantes.  Vega-Cervantes was arrested on August 22, 2023, after he attempted to sell a kilogram of fentanyl to an individual working with law enforcement.

Vega-Cervantes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Vega-Cervantes has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.