Elisa Rivera Ortiz, Cocaine Distribution, New York 2017

A Buffalo woman has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for her role in a cocaine distribution scheme.

Elisa Rivera Ortiz, 36, of Buffalo, NY, was convicted of attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, Ortiz was targeted by law enforcement after two packages containing cocaine were intercepted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in April and June 2017. The packages were addressed to Ortiz and were seized by investigators.

On July 6, 2017, a controlled delivery of a package containing sham cocaine and a monitoring device was conducted at Ortiz's Warren Avenue residence. Once the monitor alerted investigators that the package had been opened, they entered the residence and executed a search warrant. Ortiz attempted to run out the side door but was taken into custody.

During the search, investigators located the package of sham cocaine, drug packaging materials, a digital scale with suspected cocaine residue, and a small bag of marijuana. Ortiz's son and three other minor children were in the residence at the time.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Ortiz's sentence reflects the seriousness of her crime and the harm that it caused to her community.

The case is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the fight against drug trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who engage in this activity.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-woman-sentenced-cocaine-distribution