Feds: Waterbury man sentenced to nearly four years in drug case

Gonzalez’ arrest stems from an investigation by the DEA and Waterbury police into an alleged drug trafficking group run by Nestor Sosa-Ortiz, a news release said. Authorities allege the group “received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County,” the release said.

Sosa-Ortiz was arrested on May 18, 2019, after authorities intercepted a drug deal, during which they recovered about two kilos of heroin and two kilos of fentanyl.

While he was incarcerated, authorities claim Sosa-Ortiz continued to control the organization through smuggled cellphones.

“During the investigation in Connecticut, Gonzalez was intercepted on calls coordinating the purchase and distribution of heroin and fentanyl,” the release said. “He sold the drugs to his own customers and other distributors in the greater Waterbury area.”

Gonzalez and several others were arrested Oct. 29, 2019. During a search, authorities found around 100,000 “bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution,” along with around 1,000 fentanyl pills, one gun and about $50,000 in cash.

In Gonzalez’ home, they found 117 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, pills with oxycodone markings “and items used to process and package narcotics, including a kilogram press,” the release said.

He later pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Gonzalez, who is a citizen of the Dominican Republic, will face immigration proceedings after his release from prison.

Sosa-Ortiz has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, the release said.

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.