Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Cocaine in New Haven

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARTIN ONOFRE-MENDEZ, 50, a citizen of Mexico last residing in New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment for a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven. Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez. Investigators observed Onofre-Mendez's associate, Eygner Huezo, supplying him with cocaine immediately before two of the purchases.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on October 1, 2024. On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs.

Onofre-Mendez has been detained since his arrest. On September 19, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Onofre-Mendez will be removed to Mexico when he completes his prison term.

Huezo, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty to a related charge on November 10, 2025, and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.