Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL ECHEVARRIA, also known as "Frenchie" and "Gordo," 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI's Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated an open-air drug market that was operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics. Between March and September 2024, investigators made 11 controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from various sellers, including Echevarria. At the time, Echevarria had pending state firearm possession and narcotics distribution charges and was released on bond.

Echevarria has been detained in state custody since September 11, 2024. On October 27, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department. The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.