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Long Island Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Cocaine Trafficking and Arson
A long island man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a bi-coastal cocaine trafficking conspiracy that involved arson and violence. Matthew Aichroth, 46, was sentenced by United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley in federal court in Central Islip.
Aichroth pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2017. He was also ordered to forfeit approximately $3.4 million as proceeds of the cocaine trafficking conspiracy. According to court filings and facts presented during court proceedings, between February 1, 2015 and September 26, 2016, Aichroth engaged in the bi-coastal cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Law enforcement officers tracked Aichroth and his associates from Long Island to California and observed a rental car that Aichroth used being loaded onto a car carrier in Downey, California. The officers tracked that car to a shipping lot in New Jersey, where they observed Aichroth retrieve a duffle bag containing more than 10 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle.
The cocaine was then transported by a co-conspirator to a residence in Islip, New York, where it was seized by law enforcement. During the execution of a search warrant at the Islip location, law enforcement recovered seven firearms, ammunition, drug packaging material, numerous pills and approximately 200 grams of cocaine.
A search of an apartment that Aichroth used in California yielded 234 grams of cocaine, a 9-millimeter pistol and ammunition. During the conspiracy, Aichroth set fire to a vehicle parked in front of the residence of an associate in an attempt to intimidate the associate and prevent him from cooperating with law enforcement.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, praised the work of his office and law enforcement partners in bringing Aichroth to justice. “Aichroth used arson, guns and threats of violence to perpetrate his crimes while he poured dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Donoghue. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, it’s his freedom and future that have now gone up in flames.”
James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA New York Division, said the sentencing was a testament to the gravity of Aichroth’s crimes. “By heading a bi-coastal drug trafficking operation, Aichroth pushed product into Long Island communities and users’ hands,” said Hunt.
The sentencing was also welcomed by law enforcement agencies in Suffolk County, who praised the collaborative effort that brought Aichroth to justice. “This sentencing summarizes the gravity of Aichroth’s crimes,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart. “Today’s sentencing is an example of the ongoing effort by the Suffolk County Police Department and our law enforcement partners to protect our residents from drug and firearm trafficking.”
Aichroth’s sentencing is a significant blow to organized crime in Long Island, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities. The investigation and prosecution of Aichroth were led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from the DEA and Suffolk County Police Department.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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