A Mexican citizen living in New Haven has been sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Martin Onofre-Mendez, 50, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.
According to court records and statements made during the proceedings, authorities began investigating Onofre-Mendez in 2024 after learning he was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven. The DEA New Haven District Office Task Force conducted multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez between May and September 2024, totaling about 600 grams.
Investigators also observed Eygner Huezo, an associate of Onofre-Mendez, supplying him with cocaine before two of the transactions. On October 1, 2024, law enforcement arrested Onofre-Mendez and seized 225 grams of cocaine from him. They also recovered another 480 grams from a separate location he used to store drugs.
Onofre-Mendez has remained in custody since his arrest. He pleaded guilty on September 19, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Following his prison term, he will be removed to Mexico.
Huezo, age 36 and a citizen of El Salvador residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty to a related charge on November 10, 2025. He is awaiting sentencing.
"This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department," according to the release. "The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe."
