Related Federal Cases
- Ines Lugo, Drug Conspiracy, Massachusetts 2020 · Washington
- Luis Cepeda-Capellan, Heroin Distribution, New Jersey 2021 · Texas
- Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, Fentanyl Trafficking, Culiacán Sinaloa, 2023 · New York
- No Names Given, Nationwide Felony Lane Gang Conspiracy, USA, 2023 · New York
- Michael Smith, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, NC, 2023 · New York
Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted in Western Pennsylvania
A resident of Yonkers, New York has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months of imprisonment on his conviction for violating the federal narcotics laws. Senior United States District Judge Nora B. Fischer imposed the sentence on Erick A. Martinez, 36 years, of Yonkers, New York.
According to information presented to the Court, on May 12, 2020, Martinez pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In connection with his guilty plea, Martinez admitted that he conspired with codefendants Brandon Winters and Eduard Guzman Rijo to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
On January 30, 2019, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant at an apartment located in Pittsburgh, which was utilized by Martinez and his coconspirators. Upon entry into the apartment, case agents located Winters, Rijo, and Martinez, approximately 1,500 “bricks” (the equivalent of roughly 75,000 individual dosage units) containing mixtures of heroin and fentanyl. Additionally, case agents seized over $250,000 in U.S. currency, which was found in and around Mr. Martinez and his coconspirators.
Following his 78 months of imprisonment, Martinez will be on federal supervised release for four years. Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Martinez.
The case is a prime example of the ongoing effort to combat the heroin and fentanyl epidemic that is ravaging communities across the United States. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and expose the intricacies of this complex issue, it is clear that the consequences for those involved will be severe.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Organized Crime