Camden man found guilty of conspiring and attempting to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting others

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2011

 

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden, N.J., man involved in a conspiracy to possess and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine was convicted today for his role in the illegal drug enterprise, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

The jury returned a guilty verdict against Ramon Martinez-Ruiz, 34, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court. Martinez-Ruiz was convicted on all three counts charged against him in his Superseding Indictment: one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; one count of attempting to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; and one count of aiding and abetting others in their attempts to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

On July 28, 2009, special agents from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), conducted an investigation that led to the seizure of approximately five kilograms of cocaine from a drug courier who had checked in to an airport motel in Elizabeth, N.J. Martinez-Ruiz conspired with others, including Ruben Sepulveda, 45, and Raul Hernandez, 33, both of Camden, to travel from Camden to the motel to take possession of the cocaine, intending to distribute it in the Camden area. Martinez-Ruiz, Sepulveda and Hernandez were arrested when they arrived at the motel. Approximately $10,000 in cash was seized from Hernandez when he knocked on the door of the motel room where the cocaine was seized, as the defendant, Martinez-Ruiz, stood watch outside.

On all three counts, Martinez-Ruiz faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentencing before Judge Kugler is currently scheduled for January 11, 2012.

Both Sepulveda and Hernandez have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, and await sentencing before Judge Kugler.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents and task force officers of the HSI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew M. McLees for the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric W. Moran and Charlton A. Rugg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

11-406                                                                                        

Defense counsel: E. Alex Jardines Esq., Guttenberg, N.J.

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