U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery | U.S. Department of Justice
Thirteen individuals have been arrested following an investigation into a drug trafficking operation allegedly run from a car dealership in New Britain, Connecticut. The arrests were announced by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's New Haven Division, and New Britain Police Chief Matthew Marino.
The individuals charged with drug distribution offenses include Wilfredo Ortiz, Michael Luisi, Eli Samuel Ofarrill-Fernandez, Samuel Martinez, Tashia Bridges, Dimas Rodriguez, Jose M. Ortiz, Jose L. Ortiz, Richard Beaudoin, Richard Zina, Curtis Rooth, Jose Rivera, and Jemuel Vega-Gomez.
According to court documents and statements made in court since February 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department have been investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Wilfredo Ortiz and Michael Luisi. This organization was reportedly operating out of Supreme Automotive at 494 Main Street in New Britain. The investigation involved wiretaps authorized by the court as well as physical and electronic surveillance alongside approximately 15 controlled purchases of narcotics such as cocaine.
During the arrests on November 14th investigators conducted searches at Supreme Automotive and other locations linked to the alleged drug trafficking network. They seized over five kilograms of cocaine more than 200 grams of fentanyl about 30 grams of heroin a kilogram press seven firearms ammunition around $75 000 in cash and 26 vehicles.
Each defendant faces charges related to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances conspiracy to distribute these substances which carry potential maximum imprisonment terms of up to 20 years. Some defendants may face additional charges or penalties.
Wilfredo Ortiz Luisi Ofarrill-Fernandez Martinez Bridges Rodriguez Rooth and Vega-Gomez are currently detained while Jose M. Ortiz Jose L. Ortiz Beaudoin Zina and Rivera have been released on bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery emphasized that "a complaint is only a charge" stating that "charges are only allegations" until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being carried out by multiple agencies including the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division U.S. Marshal Service among others along with various local police departments across Connecticut.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth Reed Durham and David Nelson are prosecuting this case under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program which aims to disrupt dismantle major criminal organizations through collaboration between federal state local law enforcement agencies.
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