Michael Aponte, Cocaine Conspiracy, Nebraska 2021

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Nebraska Man Sentenced for Cocaine Conspiracy

OMAHA, NE – In a recent development, Michael Aponte, 32, of Pennellville, New York, and Rawy Correa-Perez, 31, of Avon Park, Florida, have been sentenced for their involvement in a cocaine conspiracy. The two men were found guilty by a jury on May 19, 2022.

According to the investigation, on February 26, 2021, Douglas County deputies stopped a vehicle driven by Aponte for a traffic violation. Correa-Perez was a passenger in the vehicle. Deputies noted several indicators of criminal behavior and deployed a certified drug detection canine, ‘Bezos,’ to perform a sniff around the vehicle. Bezos indicated the presence of narcotics, and subsequently, deputies searched the vehicle and found 34 pounds of cocaine in the spare tire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation, obtaining and analyzing electronic data from Apple Inc. for both Aponte and Correa-Perez. The electronic data contained photographs consistent with the drug trade, and expert testimony revealed that the cocaine had a value of approximately $390,000.

Additionally, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau assisted in the analysis of both the cocaine and fingerprints obtained from the cocaine packaging.

Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Aponte received a sentence of 130 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. Correa-Perez received a sentence of 97 months’ imprisonment with a five-year term of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The exact criminal charges brought against the defendants are conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.