ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Almonte Diaz, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lowinsky Cuevas Acosta, 26, of Lynn, Massachusetts, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on Aug. 2, 2022, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of a white Toyota Camry, bearing Massachusetts plates, traveling eastbound on Interstate 90 in the area of Exit 41 in Seneca County. Diaz was identified as the driver and Acosta was identified as the front seat passenger. As the trooper approached the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, troopers recovered approximately $18,000 in cash and a gift-wrapped package that contained approximately 645 grams of cocaine.
Diaz and Acosta made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and were detained.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian J. Ratajczak, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Brian Manaher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. #
Source: USAO - New York, Western
