PITTSBURGH – An Arizona man pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute a massive amount of cocaine in western Pennsylvania, according to the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Krystian Zarate, 28, previously resided in Santa Cruz, Arizona, and entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
Zarate conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a charge that carries a significant maximum sentence. According to the law, Zarate could face at least 10 years and up to life in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000,000.
The investigation that led to Zarate’s guilty plea was a multi-agency effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller on behalf of the United States.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF) funded the investigation, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Munhall Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the McKees Rocks Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Etna Police Department, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
The sentencing for Zarate has been scheduled for July 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Ranjan.
The investigation and prosecution of Zarate’s case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in western Pennsylvania.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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