Hartford Man Sentenced For Drug Distribution, Weapons Convictions: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man was sent to prison for three years recently following a prior drug-dealing and illegal firearms possession conviction.

David X. Sullivan, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, announced that Angel Benitez, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced Aug. 15 in U.S. District Court in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

The sentencing is related to drug distribution and firearm possession offenses, Sullivan said.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad investigation revealed Benitez and a co-conspirator were illegally selling oxycodone pills that were prescribed to his co-conspirator.

In August and September 2024, investigators made controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Benitez and his co-conspirator, Sullivan said.

Benitez was arrested on Nov. 6, 2024. On that date, a search of his residence revealed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that had been reported stolen in West Hartford, authorities said.

Benitez’s criminal history includes state assault, burglary, and larceny convictions.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Benitez has been detained since his arrest.

On March 26, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

For more information on the case, click on this link.