New Haven Man, 23, Pleaded Guilty To Gun, Drug Charges: US Attorney

NEW HAVEN, CT — A 23-year-old New Haven man pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

During a September 2020 court-authorized search of a New Haven hotel room that federal prosecutors said was being used by Joel Martinez Jr. to process and package narcotics, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock model 26, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number; a box of 9mm ammunition; approximately 51 grams of crack cocaine; approximately 136 grams of heroin; 12 digital scales; three blenders; other items used to process and package narcotics; and $1,825 in cash.

Martinez was arrested on state charges at that time, and a month later, arrested on federal charges.

In federal court this week, Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, and to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At sentencing set for July 18, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years, and a maximum term of life, in prison, per the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, New Haven Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case.