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Cocaine and Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted in Connecticut
Three individuals, LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 37, also known as ‘Plum’ and ‘Minnie,’ JERMAINE MONTEETH, 35, also known as ‘Skee’ and ‘Maine,’ and ASHLEY CORDOVA, 27, were charged with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses in Connecticut.
The charges stem from an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation that identified a drug trafficking organization led by RODRIGUEZ. Between February and July 2024, investigators made more than 20 controlled purchases of narcotics, including fentanyl laced with xylazine, and cocaine, from RODRIGUEZ, MONTEETH, CORDOVA, and others.
On July 12, 2024, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of RODRIGUEZ’s and CORDOVA’s Branford residence, and other locations, and seized more than $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales, and additional items used to process and package narcotics.
On July 16, 2024, a grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging RODRIGUEZ, MONTEETH, and CORDOVA with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine. Each defendant is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
RODRIGUEZ, MONTEETH, and CORDOVA appeared today in New Haven federal court and entered pleas of not guilty. RODRIGUEZ is detained, and MONTEETH and CORDOVA are released on $100,000 bonds.
“An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. “Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the East Haven Police Department.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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