Christian Lopez, also known as “Face,” 42, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a fentanyl distribution offense. The plea was announced by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Court documents reveal that the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation in October 2021 into Luis Salaman, known as “Bebe,” for distributing large quantities of narcotics in New Haven. Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Salaman and his associates, including Lopez. Lopez was specifically involved in two fentanyl transactions in December 2021, totaling approximately 300 grams.
Lopez admitted to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This offense carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum of 40 years. Judge Underhill has scheduled Lopez’s sentencing for August 20. Lopez has been detained since his arrest on April 10, 2023.
Luis Salaman, Lopez’s co-conspirator, was convicted after a trial and sentenced on March 11, 2026, to 14 years of imprisonment. The investigation involved the FBI, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, and police departments from New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford. Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang is prosecuting the case.