Ruben Pizzaro, 25, Found Guilty of Murder and Narcotics Conspiracy in New York
A federal jury in New York has found Ruben Pizzaro, 25, of the Bronx, guilty of murder, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms charges. The verdict marks a significant blow to gang violence in the area.
According to the indictment, Pizzaro was a member of a street gang that sold cocaine and crack cocaine in the vicinity of 180th Street and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx between August 2015 and January 2016. The gang was in competition with a neighboring drug crew on Hughes Avenue, which led to several violent shootings in late 2015.
On November 24, 2015, Pizzaro shot and killed rival drug dealer David Rivera in broad daylight at 9:15 am in front of a daycare center in the vicinity of 175th Street and Crotona Avenue in the Bronx.
Pizzaro was found guilty of one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He was also found guilty of causing the death of another person through use of a firearm, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, as well as using firearms in furtherance of a narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim praised the FBI and NYPD for their work on the investigation, stating that the prosecution of gang and drug violence helps make communities safer.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Crowley, Max Nicholas, and Robert Allen are in charge of the prosecution.
Pizzaro is currently awaiting sentencing.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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