LEXINGTON, Neb. — Two Connecticut residents are facing major drug charges in Dawson County after a Nebraska State Patrol trooper discovered more than two pounds of heroin during a traffic stop on Interstate 80.
Court records show Maribel Medina-DeQuinonez, 56, and Jose Cabrera-Mendez, 35, both of Bridgeport, Conn., were arrested Monday, Sept. 22, about three miles east of Lexington. A state trooper reported pulling over their eastbound 2020 Toyota C-HR XLE for following too closely. According to an arrest affidavit, Medina-DeQuinonez appeared nervous during the encounter, prompting the trooper to request a search of the vehicle.
The pair consented, and the search revealed what was initially described as a “kilo brick” under the rear seat. The substance field tested positive for heroin and was later weighed at 2.3 pounds, or just over 1,000 grams. Both were taken into custody and booked into the Dawson County Jail.
On Tuesday, Medina-DeQuinonez and Cabrera-Mendez appeared in Dawson County Court, where they were arraigned on charges of possession of 140 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. County Judge Jeffrey Wightman set bonds for each at 10% of $1 million. Both were appointed attorneys, and preliminary hearings are scheduled for Oct. 2 at 11 a.m.
Under Nebraska law, possession of 140 grams or more of heroin is a Class IB felony, carrying a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The “no drug tax stamp” charge is a Class IV felony, punishable by up to two years in prison.
Prosecutors could also refer the case for federal review, as heroin trafficking across state lines often falls under federal jurisdiction. For now, both defendants remain in custody as the case moves forward in Dawson County Court.