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Nine Rockland County Dealers Charged in Manhattan Federal Court
MANHATTAN, NY – Nine individuals linked to a Rockland County drug trafficking organization (DTO) are facing federal charges after an indictment was unsealed today, alleging the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. The operation, which sourced narcotics from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, allegedly flooded Rockland County with deadly drugs for years.
Acting United States Attorney Joon H. Kim minced no words, stating that the defendants “conspired to sell deadly drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, even though some of them knew that users were overdosing on their drugs.” The indictment specifically alleges that heroin distributed by ROBERT DIAZ, a/k/a “Facey,” a/k/a “Face,” resulted in serious bodily injury to a victim in Queens on December 15, 2016. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives shattered.
The defendants – RENE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Renny”; PABLO PEREZ, a/k/a “Menor”; CHRISTIAN CARDENAS, a/k/a “Chris,” a/k/a “Spoonie”; DAVID ALMONTE, a/k/a “Elli”; RONALD BOLANOS, a/k/a “Ronny,” a/k/a “ET”; ROBERT DIAZ; THERESA KEEFE, a/k/a “Terry”; and NICOLE MUNDERVILLE, a/k/a “Nicki” – are accused of operating the Rockland DTO from 2012 to May 2017. ROLANDO PAULINO, a/k/a “Santana Paulino,” remains at large. Authorities moved swiftly, arresting all but Paulino late last night and this morning.
The indictment details a clear division of labor within the DTO. CARDENAS, ALMONTE, PEREZ, PAULINO, and BOLANOS allegedly supplied the narcotics, while DIAZ, SANCHEZ, KEEFE, and MUNDERVILLE handled distribution to customers in Rockland County. The operation ran “on a daily basis,” according to the indictment, turning a profit off the misery of others. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe highlighted the particularly dangerous trend of fentanyl being laced into heroin or used as a complete substitute, often without the user’s knowledge. “Users never know that the substance they purchased has been cut with this opioid, which is 50 times more powerful than regular heroin,” he warned.
DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt described the callous disregard for human life exhibited by the group, stating they “callously discussed doing the ‘fentanyl dance’”. The reference suggests a chilling awareness of the deadly consequences of their actions. SANCHEZ, PEREZ, CARDENAS, ALMONTE, and BOLANOS were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein this afternoon. DIAZ, KEEFE, and MUNDERVILLE are scheduled to appear before the same judge tomorrow.
This bust represents a significant, though likely temporary, blow to the drug trade in Rockland County. The investigation, a joint effort between the DOJ, the DEA, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic. As long as demand remains high, others will undoubtedly attempt to fill the void, making relentless law enforcement action crucial to protecting communities.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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