Felix Jimenez, 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty on July 29 in New Haven federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense. The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.
According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven District Office Task Force coordinated a purchase of cocaine with an individual in New York. On April 9, 2026, Jimenez drove to Waterbury and provided approximately one kilogram of cocaine to an undercover officer. After the transaction took place, task force officers converged on the location. Jimenez then drove his car into several law enforcement vehicles and fled at a high rate of speed before being found hiding in a closet at an autobody shop nearby and taken into custody.
Jimenez has been detained since his arrest. While incarcerated, he was overheard discussing firearms with his girlfriend during a phone call regarding their shared residence in Ansonia. Law enforcement later conducted a court-authorized search at that address and seized two handguns.
Jimenez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 23. According to information presented during proceedings, Jimenez had previously been deported to the Dominican Republic in 2019 after being convicted for another federal offense.
The New Haven District Office Task Force includes members from several agencies: DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division; Connecticut State Police; as well as police departments from New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck and Shelton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo is prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving resources from the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut prosecutes federal crimes within its jurisdiction; employs about 68 assistant U.S. attorneys along with support staff; serves all state residents; advances justice initiatives; operates under the Department of Justice; and has produced alumni who became judges or elected officials—all according to, the official website.