Utica Man Sentenced for 5K+ Grams of Cocaine, $9,940 Laundering

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, Willie Alvarado, Jr., a 33-year-old Utica man, has copped to a laundry list of serious crimes, including attempted possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and money laundering.

According to law enforcement officials, Alvarado’s involvement in the cocaine trade began as early as October 2022, when he started using the United States Postal Service to receive drug parcels from Puerto Rico. That plot was foiled in May 2023, when authorities intercepted a package containing two kilograms of cocaine bound for Alvarado’s doorstep.

Alvarado’s intentions were as clear as day: distribute the cocaine and reap the profits. Unfortunately for the Utica native, his plans were caught in the act, and he was subsequently charged. In a further attempt to cover his tracks, Alvarado used another individual to launder a whopping $9,940 of his ill-gotten gains.

At sentencing, Alvarado will face a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. It’s a dire prognosis for the 33-year-old, and one that should serve as a stark warning to those involved in the cocaine trade.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is leading the charge in prosecuting Alvarado, with help from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and United States Postal Inspection Service. The New York State Police, Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, Syracuse Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office are also providing key support.

Alvarado’s case is a stark reminder that law enforcement is hot on the trail of those involved in the cocaine trade. If you have any information regarding this or any other crime, contact Grimy Times anonymously at [tip@grimytimes.com](mailto:tip@grimytimes.com).