New Jersey Man Charged In Heroin Trafficking Scheme

PITTSBURGH – A New Jersey man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count superseding indictment named Rafael Cabrera, 35, of Passaic, New Jersey.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around August 2012, to on or about Jan. 10, 2013, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Cabrera conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and Jake D. Pugh are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.