Ray Fontanez, Heroin Distribution, Connecticut 2019

A Bridgeport resident has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a heroin distribution ring, the Grimy Times has learned.

Ray Fontanez, also known as ‘Pun,’ was handed down a 60-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford. Fontanez, 34, of Bridgeport, will also serve four years of supervised release following his prison term.

Fontanez was arrested on January 15, 2019, after a lengthy investigation by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The probe, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, resulted in federal charges against 19 defendants and the seizure of narcotics, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, eight firearms, and over $360,000 in cash.

According to court documents, Fontanez was intercepted over a wiretap discussing the acquisition and distribution of heroin with Luis Martinez, also known as ‘Macho.’ The conversations revealed that Fontanez was helping Martinez transition from the sale of cocaine and opioid pills to the sale of heroin.

The investigation, which began in the summer of 2017, led to federal charges against 19 defendants, including Martinez. Martinez pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearm offenses and was sentenced to 63 months in prison on January 26, 2021.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. The OCDETF Program identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

In addition to the prison sentence, Fontanez will serve four years of supervised release following his release from prison. The case is a significant blow to the heroin distribution ring operating in the Bridgeport area, and law enforcement officials are hailing the sentence as a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking.

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