New York and Wisconsin Men Convicted at Trial for Cocaine Trafficking

United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Michael Aponte, 32, of Syracuse, New York, and Rawy Correa-Perez, 31, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were convicted on May 19, 2022, following a jury trial before United States Judge Brian C. Buescher, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.  Sentencing for both are scheduled for August 25, 2022.  Aponte and Correa-Perez are facing a term of imprisonment of at least ten years to life for each count.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

At trial, Douglas County Nebraska deputies testified that on February 26, 2021, they stopped a vehicle driven by Aponte for a traffic violation.  Correa-Perez was a passenger in vehicle.  During the contact with Aponte and Correa-Perez, deputies noted several indicators of criminal behavior.  Deputies deployed “Bezos”, a certified drug detection canine, who indicated to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed 13, one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in the vehicle’s spare tire.

The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation.  DEA special agents testified to obtaining and analyzing electronic data that was obtained from Apple, Inc. for both Aponte and Correa-Perez.  The electronic data contained photographs consistent with the drug trade.  Special agents also provided expert testimony, including that the cocaine had a value of approximately $390,000.

In addition, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau assisted in the analysis of both the cocaine and fingerprints that were obtained from the cocaine packaging.

This case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.