The article titled “Two Charged In Drug-Related Shooting On Bronx Street” provides details about the indictment of two individuals involved in a drug-related shooting incident that occurred on a Bronx street. The shooting targeted a rival drug dealer, but resulted in an 11-month-old baby being shot in the face. The article states that the two individuals, identified as AHMED ALTOREI and SAMUEL BAUTISTA, have been charged with distributing narcotics and carrying firearms in connection with a drug trafficking operation. The arrests were made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and both individuals are expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge later in the day. The article emphasizes the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting communities and ensuring public safety.
Charges and Arrests
Ahmed Altorei
Samuel Bautista
Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista have been charged and arrested in connection with a drug trafficking operation based on the Grand Concourse and East 198th Street in the Bronx, New York. The charges stem from their involvement in a street shooting incident that occurred on January 19, 2022, which resulted in the shooting of an 11-month-old baby. Altorei was arrested on August 8, 2023, while Bautista was arrested on August 9, 2023, in an operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Both individuals are expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein later in the afternoon. The case has been assigned to Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
Background Information
The drug trafficking operation led by Altorei and Bautista was primarily located on Grand Concourse and East 198th Street in the Bronx, New York. These areas have been identified as hotspots for drug-related activities. Additionally, on January 19, 2022, a street shooting incident occurred in which Altorei and Bautista targeted a rival drug dealer. Unfortunately, during the shooting, an 11-month-old baby was shot in the face. This incident caused significant emotional trauma and physical harm to the infant and highlights the dangers associated with drug-related violence.
Statements by Officials
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams expressed his commitment to enforcing public safety and protecting communities. He acknowledged the emotional and physical trauma caused by the shooting of the infant and emphasized that safety is a civil right that must be upheld. Williams assured the public that the arrest and indictment of Altorei and Bautista demonstrate the government’s dedication to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety of the city.
FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis
FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis highlighted the defendants’ possession of firearms as part of their narcotics trafficking operation, which directly led to the shooting of the 11-month-old infant. Curtis emphasized that this incident exemplifies the unfortunate consequences of drug and gun violence. The FBI remains committed to making communities safer by removing violent drug traffickers from the streets.
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban
NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban reaffirmed the department’s stance against violence on the streets. He commended the investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to justice and public safety. Caban assured the public that the NYPD will continue to relentlessly hold accountable anyone who carries and indiscriminately shoots an illegal gun in New York City.
Description of Indictment
The indictment against Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista alleges their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute both cocaine and crack cocaine. The conspiracy lasted from at least May 2018 to at least August 2023. Additionally, Altorei and Bautista are charged with carrying firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activities. Some of these firearms were brandished and discharged, including the firearm that resulted in the shooting of the infant on January 19, 2022.
Charges and Potential Sentences
Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista face multiple charges related to their drug trafficking and firearms possession. The charges include narcotics conspiracy, using or carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possessing ammunition after a felony conviction. If convicted, Altorei and Bautista face severe legal consequences, including mandatory minimum sentences and potential life imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of their alleged crimes.
Investigative Work and Assistance
The investigation into Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista’s drug trafficking operation and the street shooting incident was a joint effort between the FBI and the NYPD. Both agencies worked diligently to gather evidence and ensure the arrest of the suspects. Additionally, the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance in this case, further facilitating the progress of the investigation.
Handling and Prosecution
The Violent and Organized Crime Unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for handling and prosecuting this case against Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman and Thomas John Wright have been assigned to lead the prosecution. With their expertise in violent and organized crime cases, they will ensure a thorough and comprehensive legal process.
Presumption of Innocence
It is essential to uphold the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” in any legal proceeding. The description of the indictment against Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista should be treated as allegations. Until sufficient evidence is presented in court and the defendants are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, they are presumed innocent. This presumption ensures fairness and protects the rights of the accused individuals.
Related Content
The case against Ahmed Altorei and Samuel Bautista is one of many recent criminal proceedings pertaining to various illegal activities. Some related content includes the sentencing of a dealer involved in a fentanyl-laced heroin case, the sentencing of a Bronx man for multiple shootings, and the sentencing of a Florida business owner for Medicare fraud. These cases highlight the government’s commitment to combating various forms of criminal activity and maintaining public safety.
Contact and Release Information
For more information about this press release or to reach out for further details, please contact the designated press contact listed in the official release. The press release’s updated date serves as a reference and should be considered for accuracy and timeliness.