NEW HAVEN — A federal grand jury indicted three individuals on charges related to trafficking fentanyl laced with xylazine and cocaine, as announced Wednesday, July 24 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
Luis Rodriguez, also known as “Plum” and “Minnie,” 37, of Branford; Jermaine Monteeth, also known as “Skee” and “Maine,” 35, of New Haven; and Ashley Cordova, 27, of Branford, are facing federal charges following an extensive investigation led by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force.
According to court documents and statements, from February to July, undercover agents executed over 20 controlled purchases of narcotics from the accused and others involved in the drug trafficking organization purportedly led by Rodriguez.
Arrests were made on July 12, after authorities carried out court-authorized searches at multiple locations, including the Branford residence of Rodriguez and Cordova.
These actions resulted in the seizure of over $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales, and paraphernalia associated with narcotics trafficking.
The grand jury’s five-count indictment on July 16 charged each defendant with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine, along with two counts each of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.
If convicted, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment per charge.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty during their court appearance in New Haven federal court.
Rodriguez is currently in custody, while Monteeth and Cordova were released on $100,000 bonds.
