Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATIVIDAD MENDEZ, also known as “Coca,” 38, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.” Little supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation. Mo Betta managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area. At times, Little and Mo Betta used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.

MENDEZ, who is Little’s long-time girlfriend, sold cocaine out of the Silver Dollar Restaurant on Zion Street, delivered cocaine and heroin to various locations, and stored drugs and drug proceeds at her and Little’s New Britain residence. She also acted as a go between with her brother, Luis Mendez, who supplied heroin to the drug trafficking organization. In addition, she was fully aware that her and Little’s teenage son, Angel Rosa, also known as “Bebo,” was selling drugs for the organization while still attending high school.

As a result of this investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry.

On April 11, 2013, a search of MENDEZ’s and Rosa’s residence revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine packaged for distribution, approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine, and $205,240 in cash. The couple has forfeited the cash, as well as a 2006 Porsche Cayenne, a 2007 Lexus GS350 and a 2007 Acura RL.

On December 16, 2013, MENDEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, and on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment. Luis Mendez and Angel Rosa, aka “Bebo,” also pleaded guilty and are serving prison terms of 96 months and 66 months, respectively.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.