Ronnie Ortiz, 39, of Buffalo, NY, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in a cocaine distribution scheme. Ortiz was convicted of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, a charge that has landed him behind bars.
The sentencing, which was handed down by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who handled the case, the investigation began on July 18, 2016, when the United States Postal Inspection Service obtained a federal search warrant for a postal parcel addressed to 14 Warren Avenue in Buffalo.
The parcel, which was mailed from Canovanas, Puerto Rico, contained approximately nine ounces of cocaine. However, before it was delivered to Ortiz, the cocaine was removed and replaced with sham cocaine, and an electronic transmitter was installed to alert agents when the parcel was opened. On July 20, 2016, an undercover U.S. Postal Inspector delivered the parcel to Ortiz, who signed for it and took it into his residence.
Minutes later, the electronic transmitter indicated that the parcel had been opened, and agents moved in to arrest Ortiz. The defendant was taken into custody and later convicted of the crime. The investigation was led by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced the sentencing, stating that the conviction and sentencing of Ronnie Ortiz is a significant blow to drug trafficking in the Buffalo area. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the distribution of cocaine and other illicit substances in the region.
The sentencing of Ronnie Ortiz serves as a reminder that those involved in drug trafficking will be held accountable for their actions. The 14-month prison sentence is a significant punishment for the crime, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities. As the war on drugs continues, law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant in their efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for the distribution of illicit substances.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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