John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YOHANDER HERNANDEZ-CEDENO, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force revealed that Luis Sanchez, also known as “Viejo," was distributing large quantities in Hartford’s South End. On Aug. 31, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 200 grams of heroin from Sanchez outside of a residence on New Britain Avenue that Sanchez shared with HERNANDEZ-CEDENO. Sanchez was arrested at that time. HERNANDEZ-CEDENO, who was inside the residence, was arrested after he was found in possession of approximately 83 grams of heroin, and a search of the residence revealed approximately 74 grams of heroin, 127 grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package heroin.
Subsequent laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed the presence of fentanyl.
HERNANDEZ-CEDENO has been detained since his arrest. On June 21, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
Sanchez pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on Sept. 28, 2017, was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
