York Cocaine Kingpin Cages for 30 Months

York Cocaine Kingpin Cages for 30 Months

A 27-year-old York, Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring and attempting to traffic cocaine, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Marcos Fernandez Rivera, 27, of York, was found guilty of the crimes, which stemmed from the seizure of a parcel containing one kilogram of cocaine hidden inside a boardgame box, cash, and evidence obtained from cell phones revealing his communication with a codefendant.

Rivera previously pleaded guilty to the charges, which was a result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner, who also ordered him to pay a fine and serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and make communities safer for everyone. The program was launched in 2021 and has been successful in reducing crime rates in various parts of the country.

Rivera’s codefendant, Gregory Ruiz Mercado, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on February 26, 2024. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and K. Wesley Mishoe.

The sentencing of Rivera marks another victory in the fight against cocaine trafficking in the York County area. The community can rest assured that those involved in this illicit activity will be held accountable for their actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania commends the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for their hard work and dedication in investigating and prosecuting this case. Their efforts have made a significant impact in keeping our communities safe.