ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, Fentanyl Trafficking, Connecticut 2020

Convicted fentanyl trafficker ANGEL RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Red,” 26, formerly of Manchester, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

A U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill handed down the sentence in Bridgeport on March 25, 2020, as ANGEL RODRIGUEZ was required to report to prison on that date. He had been released on a $100,000 bond and residing in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified ANGEL RODRIGUEZ as a significant distributor of fentanyl. On February 4, 2019, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of 200 grams of fentanyl from ANGEL RODRIGUEZ in exchange for $13,000.

ANGEL RODRIGUEZ was arrested on February 4, 2019, after he met the purchaser at an automotive business on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford in possession of approximately 200 grams of fentanyl. At the time of his arrest, ANGEL RODRIGUEZ also possessed a loaded 9mm pistol and approximately $2,600 in cash.

A subsequent search of ANGEL RODRIGUEZ’s Manchester residence revealed more than 200 grams of marijuana, a .45 caliber rifle, three boxes of ammunition, and other firearm-related items.

200 grams of fentanyl is the equivalent of approximately 8,000 doses. On October 15, 2019, ANGEL RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/fentanyl-trafficker-sentenced-7-years-federal-prison