AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885

August 17, 2006

MEMBER OF RICE ORGANIZATION PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG CHARGES

BALTIMORE, Maryland - Chet Pajardo, age 38, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the statement of facts provided to the court as part of the plea agreement, from about 1995 until February 2005, Pajardo conspired with a number of other individuals to distribute cocaine in the Northwest area of Baltimore City. According to the statement of facts, Pajardo picked up kilogram-quantities of cocaine from a house where members of the conspiracy routinely maintained their supply. Pajardo then paid individuals to distribute the cocaine to others. On at least one occasion, Pajardo showed up at an apartment with approximately six kilograms of cocaine in a gym bag and directed another individual to distribute those kilograms to customers. After the individual distributed the drugs, he gave the proceeds to Pajardo, who in turn paid the individual $1,000 per kilogram. On another occasion, Pajardo went to an apartment with approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine, directed an individual to distribute that cocaine, and thereafter collected the proceeds. Pajardo admits that he was part of the conspiracy, but does not agree that the amount of cocaine attributable to him is more than five kilograms. During Pajardo’s involvement in the conspiracy, the organization distributed and possessed with intent to distribute more than 150 kilograms of cocaine.

Pajardo faces a maximum sentence of not less than ten years and not more than life imprisonment, followed by a mandatory term of supervised release of five years, if the Judge determines that he is responsible for distributing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; and he faces a maximum sentence of not less than five years and not more than forty years imprisonment, followed by a mandatory term of supervised release of four years if the Judge rules that the amount of cocaine attributable to Pajardo is less than 5 kilograms. U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2007. Pajardo remains detained.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore City Police Department, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City and the United States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Rosenstein also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Levin and Jason Weinstein, who are prosecuting the case.