Cecilio Wareham, a 48-year-old resident of Queens, New York, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. His plea comes as part of a larger investigation into drug trafficking organizations operating in Ulster County and surrounding areas.
The case was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa. In April 2025, Wareham and nine others were indicted for their roles in distributing significant quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine around Kingston, New York, and other parts of Ulster County. Authorities allege the organizations distributed more than 11 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of cocaine base. Law enforcement actions led to the seizure of over five kilograms of cocaine and 270 grams of cocaine base.
Wareham admitted during his plea that he supplied co-conspirator Greg Tejada with quantities of cocaine for redistribution. This included over two kilograms seized from Tejada in October 2024.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This guilty plea sends a clear and unequivocal message: we will aggressively dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities. Our work is far from finished, but this case proves that those who choose to spread dangerous narcotics will face decisive accountability. I strongly commend our federal, state, and local partners for their unwavering dedication and coordination throughout this investigation.”
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel stated: “This plea is the result of a sustained, collaborative investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks that traffic dangerous drugs into our communities. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the supply chains, distributors, and organizations responsible for fueling addiction and violence. Our efforts will remain relentless as we work to safeguard the public.”
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said: “URGENT and our partnering agencies remain committed to protecting Ulster County from the destructive impact of narcotics trafficking. This case highlights the strength of interagency cooperation and the dedication of our investigators. We will continue to pursue those who bring illegal drugs into our neighborhoods and ensure they are brought before the justice system.”
Wareham is scheduled for sentencing on February 26, 2026 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. He faces a minimum prison term of ten years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $10 million, as well as supervised release ranging from five years up to life.
Other defendants charged with conspiracy include Damon Dunn (“Moe”), Greg Tejada (“Bear”), Richard Johnson, Kevin Dunn, Aidan White, Kristine Scibelli, Xavier Patterson (“Xay”), Allen McGraw (“Snoop”), and Raymond Robinson; their potential sentences range from no mandatory minimums up to life imprisonment depending on individual charges.
Some defendants also face additional charges related to distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation involves HSI; Ulster County Sheriff’s Office working with URGENT; Federal Bureau of Investigation; New York State Police Special Investigations Unit; Valhalla; with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative under Executive Order 14159 which aims at eliminating criminal cartels—both domestic and international—and focuses particularly on crimes involving children as well as violent criminal aliens within U.S borders through broad interagency collaboration.
