Christian Rivera-Torres, Heroin Distribution, Connecticut 2020

Christian Rivera-Torres, also known as 'Pantera,' a 41-year-old New Haven man, has been sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rivera-Torres acquired heroin from Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as 'Chaca,' and sold the drug to his own customers.

The investigation, headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and New Haven Police Department, revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine into Connecticut. Rivera-Torres' criminal history spans over 20 years, including numerous state convictions.

Rivera-Torres was arrested on state charges on May 7, 2019, and has been detained since then. On October 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin.

A search of Rubiera-Herrera's residence at the time of arrest on April 30, 2019, revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl. Rubiera-Herrera pleaded guilty on June 20, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, East Haven Police Department, Easton Police Department, Orange Police Department, and the Cape May County (N.J.) Prosecutor's Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.

Rivera-Torres will serve 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and S. Dave Vatti.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-haven-man-sentenced-prison-distributing-heroin-0