Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin, also known as Beto, 57, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy in distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a fine up to $10 million.
According to the plea agreement, on October 14, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 kilograms of cocaine. A phone number linked to the delivery was traced back to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin. On October 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of fake cocaine to a motel in Corfu, NY. The delivery resulted in the seizure of $259,960.
The investigation revealed that Alarcon-Holguin had communications with a co-conspirator named Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin directed Pavia regarding cocaine shipments and money packaging which were relayed to distributors in cities such as Buffalo and Louisville, KY. On June 21, 2018, 40 kilograms of cocaine were delivered in Buffalo. Throughout the conspiracy, various shipments of 10 kilograms or more were supplied by Alarcon-Holguin and brokered by Pavia.
Alarcon-Holguin instructed Pavia to direct co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock on money packaging methods for returning funds to Mexico. Several other cocaine deliveries were linked to Alarcon-Holguin, including 17 kilograms seized in West Seneca, NY, and further shipments to Kentucky. Approximately $1,144,735 was seized from a truck driver in Chicago, contributing to a total seizure of roughly $2.6 million during the investigation.
The successful plea results from collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Police, the Erie County Sheriff's Department, Customs and Border Protection, among others. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in securing the extradition of Alarcon-Holguin from Mexico.
U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. has scheduled sentencing for September 3, 2025.
