BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 49-year-old Bridgeport man has pleaded not guilty to federal drug distribution and firearm charges after authorities said a search of his Ansonia residence uncovered cocaine, heroin and a handgun.
Irvin Javier Villegas, who prosecutors said also lives in Ansonia, was recently indicted, U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget announced this week.
Villegas pleaded not guilty on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport; he is free on a $250,000 bond pending trial.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Villegas in April 2026.
Villegas was arrested on related state charges on April 27. A court-authorized search that day of his residence in Ansonia found about 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, about 400 grams of heroin and a .40-caliber Glock 23 pistol, authorities allege.
Villegas' criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug, robbery, weapon and larceny offenses, according to authorities. Federal law prohibits a person previously convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment Aug. 12 charging Villegas with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Based on a previous conviction for a serious violent felony, the charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Villegas also was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.
Sullivan said an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The charges are allegations, and Villegas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and police departments in Bridgeport and Ansonia are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham is prosecuting the case.
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