Middlesex County Man Admits Conspiracy To Distribute Two Kilograms Of Heroin In New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A Parlin, New Jersey, man who delivered two kilograms of heroin to another individual in Harrison, New Jersey, today pleaded guilty in Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Pedro Rodriguez, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over a kilogram of heroin. 

According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On Oct 19, 2017, law enforcement officers observed Pedro Rodriguez outside of a restaurant in Newark, where he met with another individual and retrieved a bag that was suspected of containing narcotics. Afterwards, Pedro Rodriguez drove to Harrison, met with Rafaelito Rodriguez, 43, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and provided him a bag containing approximately two kilograms of heroin. Rafaelito Rodriguez was arrested in Harrison shortly afterwards. Pedro Rodriguez was later arrested at his home in Parlin.

The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2018. Rafaelito Rodriguez pleaded guilty on March 6, 2018 and awaits sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit in Newark. 

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson, with the investigation.

Defense counsel: Pedro Rodriguez is represented by Michael Pedicini Esq.