⏱ 2 min read
Richie Rivera, 33, of Reading, PA, and Samuel Paulino, 51, of Union City, NJ, have been indicted in separate Lehigh Valley-area drug cases. Rivera was found with approximately 1.24 kilograms of heroin, 435 grams of fentanyl, 711 grams of cocaine, and 206 grams of methamphetamine in Berks County on February 24, 2026. Paulino was caught with approximately four kilograms of heroin and six kilograms of cocaine in Northampton County on March 2, 2026.
Rivera, who has a prior conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in October 2023, faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. Paulino also faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison if convicted.
The cases were investigated by the Reading Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The indictments were announced by United States Attorney David Metcalf. Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti and Robert Schopf are prosecuting the cases.
Related Federal Cases
- James King, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
- John Doe, Large-Scale Drug Operation, Martinsburg WV, 2026 · Pennsylvania
- Erin Alonzo Charged with Federal Gun and Heroin Trafficking, New Or… · Alabama
- Robert Crenshaw, Heroin Trafficking, WV, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Stacey Simms, Heroin Trafficking Role, Johnstown PA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Pennsylvania
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking