Josue Muniz, 35, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty on April 7 in New Haven federal court to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, according to an announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw.
Authorities said that in 2024, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department identified Muniz as a person trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in the Naugatuck Valley. Undercover officers conducted several purchases from Muniz during November and December 2024. On December 20, after arranging another purchase at a car dealership in Milford where Muniz worked, law enforcement arrested him. At the time of his arrest, he had about 58 grams of fentanyl on his person. Further searches uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine at his vehicle and home.
Muniz admitted guilt to possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl along with a quantity of cocaine. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment with a maximum possible sentence of forty years. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to prosecutors, Muniz has prior state felony convictions for narcotics offenses. He has remained detained since his arrest last December.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo following an investigation led by both federal agents and local police officers as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative focused on combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protecting communities from violent crime.
