NEWARK, NJ – A Colombian nationwide at the moment admitted to conspiring to import a whole lot of kilograms of cocaine into america from Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, US Legal professional Philip R. Sellinger introduced.
Edgar Ruiz-Gomez, aka “Gono,” 57, pleaded responsible earlier than U.S. District Choose Esther Salas in Newark federal courtroom to depend considered one of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to import 5 kilograms or extra of cocaine
In keeping with the paperwork offered on this case and statements made in courtroom:
From 2016 to January 2020, Ruiz-Gomez and others conspired to import a whole lot of kilograms of cocaine. Ruiz-Gomez admitted to having a administration position on this conspiracy, which concerned greater than 5 people.
The depend to which Ruiz-Gomez pleaded responsible carries a statutory necessary minimal sentence of 10 years in jail, a most sentence of life in jail, and a advantageous of as much as $10 million. Sentencing is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
US Legal professional Sellinger credited particular brokers and activity pressure officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), beneath the route of Particular Agent in Cost Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, and particular brokers and officers of activity forces with the DEA working in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, with the investigation resulting in at the moment's responsible plea. He additionally thanked the Division of Justice's Workplace of Worldwide Affairs; the Workplace of the Judicial Attaché of the Narcotics and Harmful Medicine Part on the US Embassy in Bogota; Colombian regulation enforcement authorities; and america Marshals Service for his or her help.
This case is a part of an operation of Activity Forces for the enforcement of Organized Crime Medicine (OCDETF). The OECDTF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level prison organizations that threaten america utilizing a prosecutor-led, intelligence-led, multi-agency strategy. Further details about the OCDETF program could be discovered at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The federal government is represented by Assistant US Legal professional Farhana C. Melo of the OECDTF/Narcotics Unit in Newark.
