In a major blow to the heroin trade, Ivan Cruz-Rivera, a 50-year-old man from Dorado, Puerto Rico, was sentenced to 76 months in prison for his involvement in a heroin conspiracy.
Cruz-Rivera was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and to distribute heroin. He was also found responsible for more than 100 grams of heroin in connection with the conspiracy charge.
On October 4, 2013, federal agents were surveilling garages on Union Street in Leominster, Massachusetts, where they believed drugs were being sold. They observed two men, including Cruz-Rivera, in a Lexus with New Jersey plates entering the property and leaving over 90 minutes later. After the Lexus left, an individual at the garage sold heroin to a cooperating source for $7,500.
Agents followed the Lexus and stopped the vehicle in Sturbridge after the driver committed a traffic violation. The driver and passenger were visibly nervous, with the driver’s hands trembling and the passenger avoiding eye contact and fidgeting. The driver, Carlos Jimenez, a firefighter, provided a New Jersey license and displayed his firefighter badge. Cruz-Rivera presented a Puerto Rican identification card.
When questioned about the purpose of the trip to Massachusetts, Jimenez gave conflicting answers and said that they had just come from Lawrence. Jimenez denied having weapons or drugs in the car, but indicated that Cruz-Rivera had some cash in the car. Cruz-Rivera stated that there was $1,000 in the car, but a subsequent search revealed $44,000 in a black bag.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division, and other law enforcement officials made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett and William F. Abely prosecuted the case.
Cruz-Rivera was sentenced to 76 months in prison and four years of supervised release. This sentence is a significant blow to those involved in the heroin trade and demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to crack down on this type of activity.
The case is a reminder of the dangers of heroin and the importance of addressing this issue. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement officials who work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Ivan Cruz-Rivera, Crime: Possession with intent to distribute heroin, distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and to distribute heroin, City: Worcester, State: Massachusetts, Date: December 2018, Sentence: 76 months in prison and four years of supervised release, Amount: $44,000.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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