David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Daniel Diaz-Rivera, known by several aliases including “Danny” and “Lupito,” was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea delivered the sentence in Hartford.
The sentencing stems from Diaz-Rivera’s leadership role in a drug trafficking organization based in Waterbury. Court documents reveal that the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two major drug organizations operating in Waterbury. One was led by Angel Quiros, alias “Papa John,” while the other was led by Diaz-Rivera.
The investigation employed wiretaps, video surveillance, GPS tracking, and controlled narcotics purchases to uncover operations involving cocaine, crack, and fentanyl distribution through a network of sellers. The two groups reportedly shared supply sources and collaborated on their activities.
Diaz-Rivera’s organization specifically distributed crack and fentanyl at all hours outside a bodega on Maple Avenue. He managed several shift bosses who oversaw street-level distributors. Investigators conducted two controlled purchases of crack directly from him during their probe. Violence and threats were used by Diaz-Rivera to maintain control over his network.
A total of 17 individuals, including Quiros and Diaz-Rivera, faced federal charges as a result of this investigation. They were arrested on November 29, 2023. During these arrests, authorities executed search warrants resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and cash along with firearms.
On January 24, 2025, Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest date.
Quiros also pleaded guilty to similar charges on February 11, 2025; however, he is still awaiting sentencing.
The investigative task force included members from multiple agencies such as the FBI, Waterbury Police Department, Naugatuck Police Department, among others. Additional support came from various federal agencies like DEA and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel are prosecuting this case under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.
U.S Attorney Sullivan expressed gratitude towards the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation throughout this case’s investigation and prosecution.
___
