NEWARK, N.J. - A Bronx, New York, man today admitted participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl to customers in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Dilson Vasquez Genao, 23, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Francisco Mercedes Gil, 31, also of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before Judge Salas to the same charges last week.
Four other individuals - Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 30, Jose Antonio Vasquez Pena a/k/a “Tono," 46, Daury Contreras Ulerio, 34, and Reimon Genao Rosario, 22 - were indicted on the same charge in August 2019 and were arraigned on Sep. 4, 2019, before Judge Salas. One individual - Eddy Urena Rodriguez, 34 - remains charged by complaint.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In early February 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in the Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities. Maldonado employed Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Ulerio, and Rosario, to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution to customers in New Jersey. Pena lived at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies.
On Feb. 25, 2019, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment. Genoa came out of the building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags. Through its investigation, law enforcement later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl.
Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags. On Feb. 27, 2019, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside: including Genao, Gil, Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Maldonado, and Pena. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window in the bedroom. All but one-Rosario-were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date.
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing for Genao is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2020, and sentencing for Gil is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the indictment against Maldonado, Pena, Ulerio and Rosario and complaint against Rodriguez are merely accusations, and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Genao: Edward Kratt Esq., New York
Gil: Keith Oliver Esq., Middletown, New Jersey
Maldonado: Blair Zwillman Esq., Millburn, New Jersey
Ulerio: Perry Primavera Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Rosario: James Moriarty Esq., New York
Pena: Peter Carter Esq., Assistant Public Defender, New Jersey
Rodriguez: Ramon Pagan Esq., New York
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
