Angel Echevarria, also known as "Frenchie" and "Gordo," was sentenced on Mar. 9 to 60 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl, according to an announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
The sentencing follows an investigation into a drug market operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport. Authorities say the case highlights ongoing efforts to address fentanyl distribution and related crimes in the community.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated the open-air drug market throughout 2024. The investigation included wiretaps, surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics. Between March and September 2024, investigators conducted 11 controlled purchases of narcotics—primarily fentanyl—from various sellers, including Echevarria. At that time, Echevarria was already facing state firearm possession and narcotics distribution charges but had been released on bond.
Echevarria has been detained since September 11, 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025, in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute—and to distribute—40 grams or more of fentanyl.
The investigation was led by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department. The task force includes personnel from several law enforcement agencies: FBI, Connecticut State Police, as well as police departments from Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark prosecuted the case.
This sentencing is part of broader law enforcement efforts targeting illegal drug activity involving fentanyl in Connecticut.
