Two Men Plead Guilty In Major Cocaine Conspiracy

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Javier Pagan, Jr. and Samuel Hernandez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that between 2013 and June 10, 2015, law enforcement officers have been investigating a drug trafficking organization led by defendants David Jesus Pagan and Rafael Burgos, Jr. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the defendants distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine throughout the Dunkirk area.

Javier Pagan and Hernandez were arrested in June of 2013 along with David Jesus Pagan, Burgos, as well as Alvin Torres, Jr. and Angel Pierluissi. Search warrants were executed at the time of the arrests at six properties which resulted in the recovery of more than seven kilograms of cocaine and approximately $175,000 in cash as well as an AR-15 assault rifle with a 30 round magazine. 

Charges are pending against David Jesus Pagan, Burgos, Alvin Torres, Jr. and Angel Pierluissi. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.     

The indictments are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office, the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief David C. Ortolano, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb, and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Patrick Swanson.

Hernandez will be sentenced on July 19, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford. Sentencing for Pagan will be scheduled at a later date.