Hartford Man Sentenced For Dealing Fentanyl: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, according to federal prosecutors. Johnny Ortega, aka "Clatcho," 39, will also serve four years of supervised release.

According to prosecutors, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, aka “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street in Hartford.

During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Reyes. Court-authorized wiretaps confirmed that Reyes was distributing narcotics to numerous customers, and identified individuals who supplied drugs to Reyes, as well as associates of Reyes who sold drugs on his behalf.

Ortega, who is Reyes’ brother-in-law, supplied Reyes with fentanyl, and used his Rowe Avenue residence to store, process and package fentanyl for distribution, according to prosecutors. A law enforcement search of his home in 2019 revealed approximately 3,450 dose-bags of fentanyl, narcotics paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition.

Reyes, Ortega and 13 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses were indicted.

Ortega pleaded guilty to in 2020 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Ortega, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison Feb. 28.

Reyes has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.