California Man Charged With Conspiring To Distribute Cocaine And Launder Money

PITTSBURGH – A California man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two count superseding indictment named Gustavo Godinez, of Los Angeles, California.

According to the Superseding Indictment, from in and around April 2012, and continuing to in and around January 2013, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendant conspired with other individuals to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that during that same time frame, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendant conspired with other individuals to launder money.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Attorney General's Office, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Service conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.