Pedro Colon Amadeo, 36, of Holyoke, has pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine, a move that could land him up to 40 years in prison. The guilty plea was entered in federal court in Springfield, with U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduling sentencing for Sept. 4, 2019.
Colon Amadeo pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine. The charges stem from his involvement in distributing drugs in Holyoke between November 2017 and January 2018. His arrest was the result of a seven-month law enforcement investigation into cocaine and heroin trafficking in Holyoke by members of La Familia gang.
The investigation, which led to Colon Amadeo’s arrest, was a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Holyoke Police Chief James M. Neiswanger made the announcement of Colon Amadeo’s guilty plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Office is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is seeking a sentence that reflects the severity of Colon Amadeo’s crimes, which include distributing a highly addictive and destructive substance in his community. The guilty plea is a significant step towards holding Colon Amadeo accountable for his actions.
Colon Amadeo faces up to 40 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The sentence will be determined by Judge Mastroianni at the sentencing hearing on Sept. 4, 2019.
The guilty plea of Colon Amadeo is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Holyoke. The city has struggled with high levels of crime and addiction, and the conviction of Colon Amadeo is a step towards addressing these issues. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to investigate and prosecute those involved in drug trafficking and other crimes in the area.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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