A Hartford man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for distributing oxycodone and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Angel Benitez, 38, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford, according to an announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Authorities said that Benitez and a co-conspirator sold oxycodone pills that had been prescribed to the co-conspirator. The investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes personnel from several local police departments and the Connecticut State Police.
In August and September 2024, investigators made controlled purchases of oxycodone from Benitez and his associate. Benitez was arrested on November 6, 2024. During a search of his home on that day, law enforcement found a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol reported stolen in West Hartford.
Benitez has prior convictions for assault, burglary, and larceny under state law. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition that have crossed state or international lines.
Benitez has remained in custody since his arrest. He pleaded guilty on March 26, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
“This matter was 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.”
