A state grand jury has issued an indictment that consists of 53 charges against the accused. These charges encompass a wide range of offenses, including racketeering, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and financial crimes. According to authorities, the individuals involved were members of the Rodriguez, Sanchez, and Gutierrez Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which conducted its operations primarily in Paterson and Lodi from April 2020 to October 2023.
The indictment reveals that the drug trafficking organization (DTO) operated numerous drug mills where they would process, package, and distribute heroin and fentanyl. Throughout the investigation, the New Jersey State Police discovered around 126 ounces of heroin, 95 ounces of fentanyl, and two firearms in different locations associated with the criminal ring.
During the investigation, law enforcement officials made a significant discovery. They found a large number of wax folds containing drugs, along with various packaging materials like sifters, grinders, stamps, and digital scales. It was also revealed that the individuals involved in this operation used fake identities and fraudulent driver’s licenses to rent cars and secure residences. These tactics were employed to effectively hide their illegal activities.
11 of the 20 defendants have been apprehended by the authorities, leaving nine still at large. The individuals who are currently under suspicion are as follows:
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- Adrian Rodriguez, 30, Woodland Park (at large)
- Carlos Sanchez, 36, Paterson (at large)
- Walter Gutierrez, 33, Paterson
- Javier Castro, 32, Paterson (at large)
- Leonel Creque, 36, Paterson
- Alexander Madera, 24, Paterson (at large)
- Harley Pallero, 31, Paterson
- Albert Rivera, 27, Paterson (at large)
- Albert Lagua, 27, Paterson
- Francisco Garcia, 37, Fairfield
- Carlos Francisco, 35, Paterson
- Raymond Jaquez, 30, Paterson
- Tatiana Rosado, 32, Fairfield
- Cesar Marte-Perez, 24, Prospect Park (at large)
- Edson Carranza, 31, Clifton
- Eduardo Godinez Jr., 28, Hawthorne
- Khytiana Sanchez, 25, Corona, N.Y. (at large)
- Jordany DeJesus, 27, Paterson (at large)
- Freylin Nunez, 21, Bronx, N.Y. (at large)
- Christopher Ynfante-Sanchez, 36, Paterson
Additional defendants are facing a range of charges, which include racketeering, maintaining drug mills, and distributing narcotics near schools. Among these defendants, Bryan Medina has been indicted separately on six counts, including second-degree conspiracy.
Deputy Attorney General Matthew Bernal is currently prosecuting the case, with Bureau Chief Cassandra Montalto overseeing the proceedings.
In a court of law, it is important to remember that all charges are mere accusations. It is essential to uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty for the defendants involved.