Federal authorities have charged 11 individuals in connection with a drug trafficking operation based in Bristol and other parts of central Connecticut. The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget and Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello.
The investigation, led by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department, alleges that Joshua Ocasio headed a narcotics distribution network. According to court documents, Ocasio, assisted by Jose Rosado-Ortiz and Ryan Jassor—who previously lived in Connecticut—obtained and sold fentanyl, cocaine, crack-cocaine, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, as well as pharmaceuticals such as oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax. Several others allegedly acted as “drug runners,” conducting transactions on Ocasio’s behalf. Quran Muhammad is accused of both facilitating deals for Ocasio and distributing drugs obtained from him.
Authorities claim that between April 2024 and May 2025, five overdose deaths in Bristol and one in Berlin were linked to this trafficking network.
Ocasio and Rosado-Ortiz were arrested on December 4, 2025. A search at Ocasio’s residence uncovered about $440,000 in cash along with watches and jewelry valued at around $270,000. At Rosado-Ortiz’s home, law enforcement found two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, 250 grams of fentanyl, 200 grams of methamphetamine, thousands of pills including oxycodone and Xanax/Adderall variants, LSD tabs, ketamine, empty wrappers that tested positive for cocaine residue, firearms including an AR-15 style rifle and a ghost gun; also seized were $10,000 worth of jewelry and $7,260 in cash.
On January 7, 2026 a federal grand jury indicted all defendants on conspiracy charges related to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Depending on the quantity attributed to each defendant:
– Ocasio, Rosado-Ortiz, Toni Risucci, Ryan Riback and Kyle Mastroianni face mandatory minimum sentences of ten years up to life.
– Debra Jankowski, Robert Pinette and Griffin Deprey face minimums of five years up to forty.
– Jassor (Ryan), James Warkoski and Muhammad face up to twenty years if convicted.
Ocasio is additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute—and actual distribution—of fentanyl and cocaine resulting in death or serious injury; this charge carries a minimum twenty-year sentence due to its link to the fatal overdose of a 20-year-old woman in Bristol on October 26th 2024.
Rosado-Ortiz faces further charges for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (minimum ten years) as well as firearm possession during drug crimes (mandatory consecutive term of at least five years). Authorities are seeking forfeiture of assets including cash seized during raids as well as vehicles.
“As alleged,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan,“Joshua Ocasio operated a sophisticated drug trafficking network that quite literally destroyed lives in Bristol and surrounding communities in central Connecticut… The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners continue to target those who profit from the illegal distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics. This investigation clearly established an indisputable connection to a drug-related death that necessitates the charging of this 20-year mandatory minimum offense.”
Jarod Forget added: “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating throughout central Connecticut… This organization was allegedly responsible for the distribution of fentanyl,cocaine… which can be linked to several overdose deaths… This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local,state,and federal law enforcement efforts…”
Bristol Police Chief Mark Morello stated:“The Bristol Police Department commends the DEA,every member of this Task Force,and the U.S.Attorney’s Office for their relentless pursuit of justice… Because of this work,the City of Bristolandthe StateofConnecticutare safer.TheBristolPoliceDepartmentremains resoluteinitsmissiontoprotectandservethecommunitywithintegrityandprofessionalism,andwewillcontinuetheseenforcementeffortseverydaytoprotectourcommunityandsavelives.”
Sullivan emphasized that these are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Multiple police departments across Connecticut assisted with this case—including those from Middletown Manchester Fairfield Canton Hamden Glastonbury West Haven Seymour Torrington New Britain Berlin Newington—and support came from both state police forcesand forensic laboratories.The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S.Attorneys Brendan Keefeand Natasha Freismuth.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America,a nationwide Departmentof Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration,dismantling criminal organizations,and reducing violent crime.