Dominican Man Returned To New Jersey To Face Narcotics Charges

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 8:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

NEWARK, NJ.- A 40-year-old Dominican National who fled the state was extradited back to New Jersey earlier this month, and is potentially facing spending the rest of his life in federal prison after being arraigned on a federal indictment charging him with federal narcotics violations.

     According to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, Ezequiel Brito, also known as “Jose Luis Portorreal Cruz,” 40, of the Dominican Republic, is charged by a Federal Indictment with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Heroin and Fentanyl; and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, Heroin and Fentanyl. 

Brito Made His Initial Appearance And Was Ordered Detained

     Brito made his initial appearance on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, before U.S.Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey, and was ordered detained pending trial.

     According to the charging information filed in the indictment, it is alleged that on or about June 17, 2021, Brito conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Brito was initially arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint on June 17, 2021, and subsequently released on a $100,000 unsecured appearance bond.

     In or around September 2022, Brito absconded from pre-trial supervision and fled to the Dominican Republic. 

If Convicted At Trial, Brito Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison

     If convicted at trial, Brito faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as a term of supervised release ranging from at least five years to a lifetime, and a fine of up to $10 million for each of the charges. At sentencing, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Brito’s prior criminal history.

     U.S. Attorney Habba commended the investigative work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which led to the arrest and indictment of Brito.

“The rules of the federal court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”