Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone Distribution and Gun Possession Offenses
HARTFORD, Conn. - Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL BENITEZ, 38, of Hartford, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad investigation revealed that Benitez and a co-conspirator were illegally selling oxycodone pills that were prescribed to his co-conspirator. In August and September 2024, investigators made controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Benitez and his co-conspirator.
Benitez was arrested on November 6, 2024. On that date, a search of his residence revealed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that had been reported stolen in West Hartford.
Benitez’s criminal history includes state assault, burglary, and larceny convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Benitez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, oxycodone, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for June 20.
Benitez has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which is composed of personnel from the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, West Haven, Hamden, Fairfield, Manchester, and Seymour Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
