Introduction to the Case
Two downtown Los Angeles residents were among five people arrested Tuesday, Sept. 16, on suspicion of participating in a drug-trafficking organization that shipped more than $315 million worth of cocaine between L.A. and New York, federal officials announced.
Prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice allege the drug trafficking organization of working out of a space fronting as a jewelry store in the California Jewelry Mart, where they shipped locked Pelican cases of cocaine to New York City’s Diamond District to be distributed along the East Coast.
Nohely Jimenez-Ruiz, 30, and Lorna Martinez, 42, both of downtown Los Angeles, were among the defendants arrested along with Jamel Donald Levy, 52, of Brooklyn; Bruce Adams, 50, of Bronx and Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, of Englewood, New Jersey.
They and five other accused members of the drug trafficking organization have been charged in the case.
The Drug Trafficking Operation
For years, prosecutors allege suspected leaders of the scheme David Rodriguez of Dumont, New Jersey and Raymond O’Connell of Manhattan obtained cocaine through drug suppliers typically in or around Southern California and would, along with their co-conspirators, rent apartments in and around L.A. and New York City to store the cocaine and money made from the operation, according to the indictment.
Rodriguez and O’Connell have been in federal custody since last year. They were charged with four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count each of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and money laundering, the DOJ said.
Another defendant, Ronell Sweat of New York City, pleaded guilty last year to a federal firearms charge and is serving a 15-year prison sentence, according to the DOJ. Law enforcement is looking for two other defendants from New York City.
Shipping and Distribution
The defendants would regularly use shipping companies to send the Pelican cases across the country and lied to the shipping companies, saying the containers were holding jewelry, watches or other unknown or unidentified items, according to the indictment. Conspirators used high-value freight shipping companies that specialize in shipping jewelry, fine art and precious metals, court documents said.
Once the containers arrived in New York, co-conspirators distributed it along the East Coast, according to the indictment. Prosecutors also accused Rodriguez and O’Connell of directing shipments of money made through the drug trafficking organization from New York to L.A., where they laundered the money and distributed it to others in the group.
During the investigation, officials said the drug trafficking organization shipped at least 1,300 parcels between Los Angeles and New York, and more than 800 of those parcels contained cocaine, weighing in at more than 22 tons with a wholesale value of more than $315 million.
Prosecutors estimated 500 parcels were shipped from New York to Los Angeles with a declared value of more than $105 million, according to the DOJ.
Law enforcement officials seized more than $2.8 million in cash proceeds from the drug trafficking organization and nearly 1,600 pounds of cocaine as well as high-end cars and jewelry that defendants purchased with profits from the operation, the DOJ said.
If convicted of all charges, Rodriguez and O’Connell would face mandatory life sentences in federal prison.
Conclusion
The drug trafficking operation that shipped more than $315 million worth of cocaine between L.A. and New York is a significant case that highlights the complexity and scope of drug trafficking organizations. The use of shipping companies and the laundering of money through various means are just a few examples of the tactics used by these organizations. The arrest of the defendants and the seizure of assets are a major blow to the organization, but it is likely that there are still many more individuals involved who have not been caught.
FAQs
Q: What is the estimated value of the cocaine shipped by the drug trafficking organization?
A: The estimated value of the cocaine shipped is more than $315 million.
Q: How many parcels were shipped between Los Angeles and New York?
A: At least 1,300 parcels were shipped, with more than 800 of those parcels containing cocaine.
Q: What is the maximum sentence that Rodriguez and O’Connell could face if convicted of all charges?
A: They could face mandatory life sentences in federal prison.
Q: How much cash and cocaine were seized by law enforcement officials?
A: More than $2.8 million in cash and nearly 1,600 pounds of cocaine were seized.
Q: What is the status of the two other defendants from New York City?
A: Law enforcement is still looking for them.
