In a shocking turn of events, Jose Cordero, a 28-year-old Dominican national, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for trafficking nearly 2,000 grams of fentanyl. The shocking discovery was made by Rhode Island State Police during a traffic stop in March 2015.
Cordero, who was operating the vehicle without a license, was arrested and a search of the vehicle revealed a complex wiring system that, when engaged, revealed a “hide” – an electronically powered compartment designed to conceal contraband – containing 1,993.21 grams of fentanyl under the front passenger seat.
After being charged in Rhode Island state court, Cordero was later charged by way of federal criminal complaint in October 2015 and a federal indictment in May 2016 with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Cordero pleaded guilty on September 12, 2017, as charged in the indictment.
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range of imprisonment in this matter is 70-87 months. However, Cordero’s sentence of 24 months in federal prison has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the leniency of the sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron, who recommended a sentence of 70 months in prison. However, the judge ultimately decided on a much shorter sentence, citing Cordero’s time served as a reason for the reduced sentence.
Cordero is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removals Operations, awaiting deportation proceedings. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
As the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across the country, the sentencing of Cordero has left many wondering if the justice system is doing enough to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
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Related Federal Cases
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- Rhode Island Trafficker Sentenced 30 Months for Fentanyl Ring · Massachusetts
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- Luis Lopez Gets 15 Years for Cocaine, Fentanyl Empire · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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