Skip to main content
Press Release

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana Trafficking Charge

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GUSTAVO GARCIA, 29, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June and July 2017, GARCIA delivered between approximately 120 to 130 pounds of marijuana to William Reyes in Stamford, including approximately 40 pounds of marijuana that GARCIA sold to Reyes for approximately $80,000 and delivered in July.

GARCIA was arrested on October 3, 2017.  On that date, a search of GARCIA’s residence revealed approximately two pounds of marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia, $93,560 in cash, and approximately $100,000 in jewelry that was purchased with marijuana trafficking proceeds.

Reyes was arrested on July 26, 2017.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Reyes’ Stamford residence and a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana.  A search of the Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of the Lagrangeville residence revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2018, at which time GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  GARCIA also has agreed to forfeit the cash and jewelry that investigators seized at the time of his arrest.

GARCIA is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

Reyes pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 5 and awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.

Updated January 9, 2018

Topic
Drug Trafficking