HARTFORD, CT — Michelle Cruz, a 38-year-old from Waterbury, Connecticut, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for her involvement in a significant narcotics distribution network. Following her imprisonment, she will undergo three years of supervised release. This sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson.
The conviction stems from a comprehensive investigation into drug trafficking activities in Waterbury, conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The operation utilized wiretaps, surveillance, controlled narcotics purchases, and vehicle stops to unravel the network led by Jose Duprey, who trafficked large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
Cruz was caught in April and May 2022, ordering heroin and fentanyl over wiretapped phone conversations with Duprey, which she then sold to her customers. Her arrest on May 25, 2022, alongside Duprey and 12 others, followed the discovery of substantial amounts of drugs and cash linked to the operation.
After pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances on August 9, 2023, Cruz, currently out on a $50,000 bond and residing in New York, is set to report to prison on May 21. Duprey has also entered a guilty plea and is awaiting his sentencing.