Josue Muniz, 35, of Ansonia, was sentenced on July 17 to 60 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and cocaine, according to the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Court documents and statements made in court show that in 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department identified Muniz as a trafficker of fentanyl and cocaine in the Naugatuck Valley. Authorities learned that a 32-year-old woman died from an overdose after using drugs obtained from Muniz. Investigators conducted multiple undercover narcotics purchases from Muniz during November and December 2024. On December 20, 2024, following a coordinated narcotics purchase, Muniz was arrested at his place of employment at a car dealership in Milford. At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 58 grams of fentanyl. Subsequent searches of his vehicle and residence uncovered additional quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
Muniz has prior state felony convictions related to narcotics offenses. He has been detained since his arrest. On April 9, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl as well as a quantity of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo prosecuted the case with assistance from Law Student Intern Isabelle Kennedy.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, described as “a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes throughout Connecticut; it employs about 68 assistant U.S. attorneys along with support staff members; it advances justice initiatives that enhance quality-of-life for residents; its alumni include individuals who became judges or elected officials; all under operation by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to its official website.