United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

HARTFORD MAN ADMITS ROLE IN HEROIN DISTRIBUTION RING

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL ESTREMERA, 28, of Elliot Street. Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  The charge stems from his involvement in a Hartford-based heroin distribution organization headed by Felix J. Cancel, Jr., also known as “Feilo” and “Gordo,” and his brother, Jose Juan Cancel, also known as “Minin” and “Mingo,” both of Hartford.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, this matter stems from a 10-month investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police.  The investigation included the use of undercover agents, confidential informants, controlled purchases and court-authorized wiretaps on telephones known to be used by the Cancels.  The investigation revealed that the Cancel organization distributed more than a kilogram of heroin on a weekly basis.  ESTREMERA was supplied with heroin by the Cancels, which he then redistributed to others.

Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2008, at which time ESTREMERA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $4,000,000.

Felix J. Cancel, Jr. and Jose Juan Cancel have each pleaded guilty to federal heroin trafficking charges.  Felix Cancel is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow, May 9, at 9:30 a.m., and Jose Juan Cancel is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4 at 10:00 a.m.  Each has been detained since his arrest in March 2007.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments that participate on a DEA Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Patrick F. Caruso of the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov