Hector Rengifo, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2014

York Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Heroin Trafficking

A York man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in heroin trafficking. According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Hector Rengifo, 41, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking. Rengifo previously entered a guilty plea on August 4, 2014.

In sentencing him, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo reviewed his prior record of drug trafficking, violence, and motor vehicle offenses and found that Rengifo was a career offender. The case is part of a multi-year investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and the York County Drug Task Force, conducted with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation, which began on February 6, 2013, in York County, resulted in hundreds of purchases of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine being made from individuals in York. A grand jury in Harrisburg indicted 15 individuals for leadership roles in the heroin and cocaine trafficking.

Other defendants involved in the case include Angel Mendez-Castro, 27, of Puerto Rico and York, who entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking on January 29, 2015, and is awaiting sentencing. Christian Mendez-Castro, 22, of York, also entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking on January 29, 2015, and is awaiting sentencing.

Hector Castro Padro, 29, of York, entered a guilty plea to drug trafficking and firearms offenses on January 29, 2015, and is awaiting sentencing. William Ortiz, 53, of York, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 21, 2014, for drug trafficking. Luis Angel Ortiz, 31, of York, was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison on April 15, 2014, for drug trafficking.

The case against Rengifo is a significant blow to the heroin trafficking ring in York. The investigation and prosecution of the case are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in the area. The sentence sends a strong message that heroin trafficking will not be tolerated in our community.

Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio. The case is part of a larger effort to combat heroin trafficking in the region.

The York County community is safer thanks to the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of this case. The sentence of Hector Rengifo is a reminder that those who engage in heroin trafficking will be held accountable.

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