Luis Estela Packaged and Distributed Heroin
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Yesterday, following a two-day trial, a federal jury in Syracuse, New York, convicted Luis Estela, 53, of Utica of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.
The evidence at trial established that in July 2015, Mr. Estela became a member of a heroin trafficking organization operating in Utica and Rome, New York. In particular, the evidence showed that the defendant helped the organization package heroin and assisted in selling drugs along the Erie Canal Trail in Rome.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby will sentence Estela on November 9, 2017. Mr. Estela faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life.
This case was investigated by the DEA, New York State Police-Community Narcotics Enforcement Team-Central (NYSP-CNET), City of Rome Police Department, City of Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Levine and Carla Freedman.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
