Hector Huertas, Heroin Conspiracy, New York 2017

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to his role in a heroin trafficking ring that distributed heroin on the West Side of Buffalo.

Hector Huertas, 49, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Burgasser, who is handling the case, Huertas conspired with Daniel Molina-Rios, Orlando Rios, Jose Andujar, Luis Montanes, and others to distribute heroin between September 2014 and September 28, 2015.

The investigation utilized court-ordered wiretaps as well as undercover purchases conducted by the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) and the Buffalo Police Department.

The organization acquired heroin from the New York City area for distribution in Buffalo but also had an alternate heroin source locally.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 30, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-man-pleads-guilty-heroin-charge