ERIE, Pa. – A federal jury found Adelfo Rodriguez-Mendez, a Mexican national, guilty of three counts of violating federal drug laws after deliberating for two hours, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
The verdict came after a trial before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines in Erie, Pennsylvania. According to Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Rodriguez-Mendez conspired to distribute and distributed cocaine out of what was then known as the East Coast Monster Garage on West 12th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, from August 2015 through June 29, 2017.
The guilty verdict was handed down after two hours of deliberation. Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The court continued Rodriguez-Mendez’s detention and he will remain in United States Marshal custody pending sentencing.
Rodriguez-Mendez is also being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer following an earlier order of deportation for an unlawful entry that was active during the time of the conspiracy.
The investigation that led to the prosecution of Rodriguez-Mendez was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by organized crime and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat it. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate and report on these types of crimes, it is clear that the work of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors like Stephen R. Kaufman are crucial in keeping our communities safe.
Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James, Baby Formula Distribution, New York NY, 2022 · New York
- No Defendant Name Found, Taiwan Rattles China with Military Drills,… · Pennsylvania
- Bruce Choi, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Alabama
- Marquis Williams Sentenced to Mail Theft, Hartford CT, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Detroit Federal Agents, Money Laundering, Detroit MI, 2024 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- 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€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
