A Hartford man has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for offenses related to the distribution of oxycodone and possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver handed down the sentence to Angel Benitez, 38, who will also serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
According to information presented in court, Benitez and an associate were found selling oxycodone pills that had been prescribed to the co-conspirator. Investigators from the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad conducted controlled purchases of oxycodone from Benitez and his associate during August and September 2024.
Benitez was arrested on November 6, 2024. During a search of his home, law enforcement recovered a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that had previously been reported stolen in West Hartford.
Court records show that Benitez has prior convictions for assault, burglary, and larceny under state law. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition that have crossed state or national borders.
Since his arrest, Benitez has remained in custody. He pleaded guilty on March 26, 2025, to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The case was investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes members from several local police departments and the Connecticut State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins prosecuted the case.
"David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL BENITEZ, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses."
