Luis DeJesus, a 30-year-old resident of Hartford, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford. Following his imprisonment, DeJesus will also face five years of supervised release.
DeJesus's criminal history includes felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm and third-degree burglary. In 2022, the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from him. He was arrested on state charges on December 16, 2022. A search of his residence uncovered approximately 460 grams of fentanyl, around 90 grams of crack cocaine, nearly a kilogram of marijuana, drug processing materials, a loaded Glock handgun, and $52,579 in cash.
The case transitioned to federal prosecution with an indictment issued on March 7, 2023. DeJesus faced charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and unlawful firearm possession by a felon.
Released on a $100,000 bond into home confinement at a family member's residence on Warren Street in Hartford, DeJesus was rearrested on November 20, 2023. During this arrest, he attempted to dispose of fentanyl as law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence. Investigators found additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine along with drug processing materials.
A superseding indictment followed on February 20, 2024, adding another charge for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Detained since November 20, 2023, DeJesus pleaded guilty on October 17, 2024.
The investigation involved the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Resident Office and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force – North Central Office with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham prosecuted the case.