• In a shocking case of narcotics trafficking, two New York City residents have pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking in Western Pennsylvania.
A resident of Brooklyn, New York, Miguel Arce, 40, and a resident of Queens, New York, Timothy Paz, 32, each pleaded guilty to one count of narcotics trafficking before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that Arce and Paz were both couriers who transported narcotics from the New York City area to Altoona, Pennsylvania, on behalf of Juan Duran, a large-scale narcotics supplier.
Arce transported over 10 pounds of methamphetamine and Paz transported approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine. Both Arce and Paz also transported large amounts of money from Jason Lynn, the Altoona-based narcotics distributor, to Duran, which represented payment for the methamphetamine.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for Paz for January 9, 2025, and for Arce for February 11, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for Paz, and not less than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both for Arce.
The law enforcement agencies involved in the multi-agency investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States.
Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that both Paz and Arce remain detained.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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