A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to charges of distributing controlled substances and illegally possessing a firearm, according to an announcement from Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello.
Hector Riano-Corcuera, 33, who is a citizen of Mexico and most recently resided in East Brunswick, New Jersey, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi. The charges include distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was initially charged with these offenses on June 27, 2025.
Court documents state that on June 26, 2025, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers arrested Riano-Corcuera after he sold about 10 kilograms of cocaine to another individual. Before being apprehended, Riano-Corcuera attempted to flee on foot but was caught by law enforcement. Officers recovered a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun from the bag he was carrying at the time of arrest. A subsequent search of his residence resulted in the seizure of more cocaine, two semiautomatic rifles, three handguns, and various types of ammunition.
The charge for cocaine distribution carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment as well as a fine reaching $10 million. The unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon could bring up to fifteen years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2026.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents with the DEA under Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James (Newark) for their work leading to the guilty plea. Additional thanks were extended to personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Department of Homeland Security Investigations; IRS-Criminal Investigation; Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office; Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; Asbury Park Police Department; East Brunswick Police Department; Lakewood Police Department; Manchester Township Police Department; Middletown Police Department; Neptune Police Department; Ocean Gate Police Department; and Spotswood Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick represents the government in this case.
Defense counsel is Andrea Aldana from Federal Public Defenders.
