Mexican national admits to dealing cocaine out of restaurant in CT

A man from Mexico who was living in Connecticut has admitted to distributing cocaine out of a restaurant in New Haven.

Martin Onofre-Mendez, 50, who last resided in New Haven, pleaded guilty Friday in New Haven federal court to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Court records show that, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force allegedly learned that Onofre-Mendez was dealing 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,” according to investigators.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on Oct. 1, 2024. Investigators at the time reportedly seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he allegedly used to store drugs, court records show.

Onofre-Mendez has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12 and faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

https://www.courant.com/2025/09/20/mexican-national-admits-to-dealing-cocaine-out-of-restaurant-in-ct/