Cocaine Crew Busted with 3 Kilos in Ohio

CANTON, OH – Three kilograms of cocaine are off the streets after a routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust in Stark County. Hortencia Decaldera, 55, of Indianapolis, and Rodolfo Rodriguez, aka Oscar Rodriguez, 32, of Los Angeles, are now facing federal charges following their February 14th arrest, according to a statement released by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

The pair were initially pulled over by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for speeding. But the simple infraction quickly escalated when a drug-sniffing canine alerted officers to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle – a Ford F-150. A subsequent search revealed a cleverly concealed compartment built into the cab, and inside, investigators found the substantial quantity of cocaine.

“This case demonstrates the vigilance of our state and federal partners in intercepting illegal drugs before they reach our communities,” stated Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Both Decaldera and Rodriguez were immediately taken into custody. The bust was a collaborative effort between the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Stark Safe Street Task Force, and the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The defendants are charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of cocaine. If convicted, both Decaldera and Rodriguez face an undetermined sentence, which will be determined by the court based on a review of aggravating and mitigating factors. These include any prior criminal history, their specific roles in the operation, and the nature of the offense itself.

Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Riley, are quick to point out that the statutory maximum sentence has not yet been determined. However, they emphasize that sentences are rarely at the maximum and are typically less severe, reflecting the individualized circumstances of each case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are not ruling out the possibility of additional charges or arrests.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Decaldera and Rodriguez are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. They are entitled to a full and fair trial where the government bears the burden of proof. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.

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