Overview

• He was extradited from the Dominican Republic and indicted in the Southern District of New York on conspiracy to import cocaine charges.
• Federal prosecutors allege he hid drug bricks in Johnny Walker whiskey bottles, Marlboro cigarette cartons and Choco Pie snack boxes purchased at Santo Domingo Airport.
• Investigators say the smuggling scheme ran from April through December 2023 with assistance from former airport and embassy colleagues.
• Authorities claim he arranged and financed travel for couriers and coordinated their receipt of cocaine shipments.
• He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life behind bars if convicted.