Wilton Reynoso, Fentanyl Trafficking, CT 2023

NEW HAVEN, CT – Six men are facing serious federal drug trafficking charges following a sweeping investigation by the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. The operation, centered in Waterbury and New Haven, allegedly moved large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine throughout the region.

WILTON REYNOSO, also known as Manuel Jose Echevarria-Lugo, 49, of Waterbury, is at the center of the alleged conspiracy. According to federal prosecutors, Reynoso received substantial shipments of fentanyl and heroin from a New York source and distributed them to TYSON QUINONES, also known as “Ty,” 34, of Waterbury, and GLEN REDMOND, 55, of Springfield, Massachusetts. Quinones, in turn, supplied DEESHAWN PITTMAN, also known as “Low,” 30, of New Haven, and distributed to his own network of customers.

The DEA’s New Haven Task Force cracked the case by intercepting “thousands” of communications via court-authorized wiretaps. On June 13, 2020, authorities moved to arrest Reynoso, Quinones, and Pittman after allegedly uncovering plans for a 200-gram heroin transaction. Pittman was found with approximately 50 grams of a fentanyl/heroin mixture and over $15,000 in cash at his New Haven residence. Quinones was apprehended at the planned meeting, and a search revealed a loaded, stolen 9mm pistol. Reynoso initially fled, abandoning his vehicle before being captured. A subsequent search of a Waterbury location used by Reynoso uncovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and heroin.

QUENTINE DAVIS, 29, of New Haven, and Redmond were arrested earlier this week following the unsealing of a superseding indictment. Reynoso, Quinones, and Davis are currently detained. Pittman and Redmond have been released on bond. All six men are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”). Reynoso, Quinones, and Pittman face a mandatory minimum of 10 years, with a maximum life sentence, if convicted. Davis and Redmond face a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years.

The superseding indictment further charges Reynoso and Pittman with additional fentanyl distribution offenses, and Reynoso with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A separate three-count indictment, also unsealed August 12th, accuses Quinones and NORMAN ALEXIS GALLARDO, 36, of Meriden, of conspiring to distribute cocaine between February and June 2020. Both Quinones and Gallardo are charged with conspiracy and attempted possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine, carrying a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks that prey on our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney John H. Durham. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those responsible for flooding our streets with these dangerous drugs to justice.” The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are possible. Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story.