Three East Hartford Residents Involved In Drug Trafficking Ring Are Sentenced
HARTFORD, Conn. - Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that three East Hartford residents involved in a coast to coast drug trafficking ring were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Luis Fernandez of East Hartford. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Fernandez’s family members and associates in southern California shipped heroin, cocaine and marijuana to Fernandez at various addresses in the Hartford area. Fernandez, who also was supplied with narcotics from individuals in New York, sold the drugs locally to other dealers and customers.
Jose DeJesus Rivera - , also known as “Chuy,” 25, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. DeJesus Rivera moved to Connecticut from Pomona, Calif., in late 2012 and resided in East Hartford with Luis Fernandez.
Jesus Fernandez - , also known as “Guerro” and “Guate,” 29, of East Hartford, formerly of Mexico, also was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed that DeJesus Rivera and Jesus Fernandez assisted Fernandez in the distribution of heroin. Jesus Fernandez and Luis Fernandez are cousins. On September 4, 2013, DeJesus and Jesus Fernandez sold approximately six grams of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement. The next day, DeJesus Rivera and Jesus Fernandez negotiated a larger heroin transaction with the same individual and arranged a meeting. After they arrived at the meet location, officers apprehended DeJesus Rivera, who was found in possession of approximately 250 grams of heroin, but Jesus Fernandez fled the scene.
The investigation also determined that DeJesus Rivera was the intended recipient of a kilogram of heroin that was seized by law enforcement in Wallingford in July 2013. Also, in July 2012, DeJesus Rivera was involved in the laundering of approximately $28,000 in drug proceeds in California.
DeJesus Rivera has been detained since his arrest on September 5, 2013. On August 21, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Jesus Fernandez was arrested in Ohio on October 11, 2013, and has been detained since that date. On April 28, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Carlos Fernandez - , also known as Ricardo Fernandez, 21, a citizen of Mexico last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced to approximately 14 months of imprisonment, time already served. During the investigation, Carlos Fernandez delivered a package containing 468 grams of cocaine to a third party at the direction of his cousin, Luis Fernandez.
Carlos Fernandez has been detained since his arrest on October 9, 2013. On September 22, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He will be deported to Mexico.
More than 20 individuals have been charged with narcotics distribution and related offenses as a result of this investigation. Fernandez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
