Four individuals have been charged in connection with the cyberstalking, kidnapping, and murder of Raymond Resto at a Bronx shopping center. U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon, DEA Special Agent Frank A. Tarentino, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment against Ivan Collado, Patricia Villalba (also known as "Patty" or "Sweetz"), Arecio Collado, and Jerry Vargas (known as "Peligro"). They face charges including cyberstalking resulting in death and conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death.

The incident occurred on November 26, 2023, when Resto was shot in front of his wife at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center. The defendants allegedly conspired to distribute cocaine in New York City and sought repayment from an associate known as CC-1 by using threats and violence.

"As alleged, these defendants carried out a sophisticated and brazen scheme to stalk, kidnap, and kill Raymond Resto over a drug debt," stated U.S. Attorney Sassoon. She emphasized the office's commitment to pursuing justice against violent criminals.

DEA Special Agent Tarentino highlighted the dangers associated with drug trafficking: "These individuals chose to use violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise."

Following Resto's murder, efforts continued to intimidate CC-1's family. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley C. Nicolas, Joseph H. Rosenberg, and Courtney L. Heavey from the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.

The charges are accusations at this stage; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.