United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jose Lugo, also known as “Domi,” 34, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing oxycodone from a New Britain grocery store.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department began investigating individuals who were selling oxycodone pills from Elzier Grocery, located at 1485 Corbin Avenue in New Britain.  Between July and December 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Lugo, Eliezer Perez and Elzier Grocery’s owner, Raul Cabrera-Vasquez.

Lugo was arrested on February 26, 2020.  On that date, court authorized searches of Elzier Grocery and a nearby residence revealed more than 1000 oxycodone pills, drug packaging materials, drug ledgers, and approximately $10,000 in cash.  The search of Elzier Grocery also revealed a handgun that was wrapped in Lugo’s shirt.

Lugo has been detained since his arrest.  On February 8, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.

Lugo faces immigration proceeding when he completes his prison term.

Perez and Cabrera-Vasquez pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.