Man Convicted For Role In Hartford Fentanyl Operation: Feds

HARTFORD/TORRINGTON, CT — A Torrington man was convicted in federal court of trafficking offenses linked to a Hartford-based fentanyl distribution ring.

David X. Sullivan, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, announced Tuesday that a federal jury in U.S. District Court in Hartford found Mario Pascual-Aquino, 44, of Torrington, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses.

According to the evidence at the trial, this matter stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a Hartford-based drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of a large amount of fentanyl and other narcotics, and the transportation and laundering of cash proceeds.

In January 2022, law enforcement coordinated a motor vehicle stop of a minivan and seized $92,000 from a hidden compartment, according to Sullivan

He said the investigation revealed Harold Luis Del Orbe, also known as “Jaro,” was directing the operators of the minivan to conduct narcotics-related transactions on his behalf.

On Nov.16, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at an apartment on Putnam Heights in Hartford and seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, Sullivan said.

Pascual-Aquino, Del Orbe, and others were in the apartment at the time of the search.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver began May 14.

On Monday, May 19, Pascual-Aquino was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, according to Sullivan.

He said Pascual-Aquino faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment at sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 13.

Pascual-Aquino, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody.

Del Orbe pleaded guilty to related charges and was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment on May 6.

In April 2017, Pascual-Aquino was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 30 months of imprisonment for his role in a stolen identity tax refund scheme.

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