Wallingford Man Accused Of Trafficking Fentanyl Into Connecticut: Feds

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford man is accused of trafficking 16 kilograms of fentanyl into Connecticut, according to authorities.

Joseph Montanez, also known as “Jose” and “Max,” 44, of Wallingford, has been charged by indictment with a fentanyl trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut David X. Sullivan announced.

Prosecutors said that on Jan. 13 law enforcement stopped a car on I-80 in Nebraska that contained approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl.

“The investigation revealed that Montanez had rented the car in Connecticut and arranged to pay a courier $20,000 to drive to California, pick up the fentanyl, and drive it back to Connecticut,” officials wrote in a news release. “Thereafter, investigators arranged a controlled delivery of the drug shipment to Montanez using approximately 40 grams of fentanyl and 16 kilograms of fake fentanyl.”

Then, on Jan. 15, officials said investigators saw Montanez as he traveled to meet a vehicle carrying the fentanyl, exit his vehicle, enter the vehicle carrying the fentanyl, and direct the driver to go to a service plaza on Route 15.

“Montanez’ first vehicle then traveled a short distance away to the area of Exit 58 in Wallingford,” officials wrote. “Investigators stopped the first vehicle, detained the driver, and seized approximately $23,000 in cash.”

Montanez was then taken into custody at the service plaza and has been detained since his arrest.

A grand jury in Hartford federal court returned an indictment on Jan. 28 charging Montanez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, according to officials.

Montanez appeared in New Haven federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty, officials said.