Samuel Hernandez, Cocaine Conspiracy, New York 2015

A major cocaine conspiracy in the Dunkirk area has come to an end, with one of the defendants sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Samuel Hernandez, of Dunkirk, NY, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

The investigation, which lasted from 2013 to June 10, 2015, revealed that a drug trafficking organization led by defendants David Jesus Pagan and Rafael Burgos, Jr. distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine throughout the Dunkirk area.

Hernandez was arrested in June of 2013, along with David Jesus Pagan, Burgos, Javier Pagan, Jr., Alvin Torres, Jr., and Angel Pierluissi. Search warrants were executed at the time of the arrests at six properties, resulting in the recovery of more than seven kilograms of cocaine and approximately $175,000 in cash, as well as an AR-15 assault rifle with a 30 round magazine.

All six defendants have been convicted in this case.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office; the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief David C. Ortolano; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace; the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb; and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Patrick Swanson.

Contact: Barbara Burns, (716) 843-5817, (716) 551-3051

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