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Utica Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Large Fentanyl Conspiracy
A 38-year-old Utica man, Eric Ares, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a large fentanyl conspiracy. Ares, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribute fentanyl, was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay a $200 special assessment.
According to court documents, Ares admitted to being part of the Rodriguez drug trafficking organization, which operated in the Utica, New York area from May 2020 through October 2021. During this time, Ares made numerous trips to the New York City area to purchase fentanyl, which he then distributed in the Utica area. On September 20, 2021, Ares was stopped by law enforcement and found to be in possession of 3 kilograms of fentanyl hidden inside a speaker in the trunk of his vehicle.
The investigation into Ares’ activities was a joint effort between the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and several local law enforcement agencies. Ares was charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribute fentanyl, as well as possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Ares’ sentence was handed down by a federal court in Syracuse, New York. In addition to his 10-year prison sentence, Ares was also ordered to pay a $150,000 money judgment. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Thomson.
The Rodriguez drug trafficking organization was a significant player in the fentanyl trade in the Utica area, and Ares’ sentence is a major blow to their operations. The investigation into the organization is ongoing, and several other individuals have been charged in connection with the conspiracy.
Ares’ guilty plea and subsequent sentence are a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in the area. The sentence sends a strong message that those involved in fentanyl trafficking will be held accountable for their actions.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of continued efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help. Please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for more information.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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