David X. Sullivan, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Henry Meneses Jr., a 32-year-old resident of New Britain, has pleaded guilty to a fentanyl trafficking charge. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.
Court documents and statements indicate that a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Hartford Task Force investigation uncovered Meneses’s involvement in selling significant quantities of fentanyl in the Hartford area. On January 6, 2025, Meneses distributed 6,000 dose bags of fentanyl to an individual who traveled from Vermont to collect the drugs. Additionally, on February 25, 2025, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 3,000 dose bags of fentanyl from Meneses on Franklin Avenue in Hartford.
Meneses was arrested on March 25, 2025. Searches conducted at his residence and vehicle resulted in the discovery of two handguns, five gun magazines, ammunition, and over $6,000 in cash.
Meneses has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of up to 40 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16.
Currently released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, Meneses awaits further legal proceedings.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from various law enforcement agencies including the DEA Hartford Resident Office and multiple police departments across Connecticut. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham is prosecuting the case through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
