A Mexican national, Martin Onofre-Mendez, 50, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for distributing cocaine in New Haven. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall.
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force discovered that Onofre-Mendez was selling narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven in 2024. Between May and September of that year, investigators conducted several controlled purchases from Onofre-Mendez, acquiring approximately 600 grams of cocaine. Investigators also observed Eygner Huezo, an associate of Onofre-Mendez, supplying him with cocaine prior to two of these transactions.
On October 1, 2024, authorities arrested Onofre-Mendez and seized a total of 225 grams of cocaine from him and an additional 480 grams from a location he used for drug storage.
Since his arrest, Onofre-Mendez has remained detained. He pleaded guilty on September 19, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Upon completion of his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico.
Huezo, age 36 and a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty to a related charge on November 10, 2025. He is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe is prosecuting the case.
“David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,” announced the sentencing.
