Omar Vazquez-Baez, also known as Tutu, was sentenced to 146 months in prison for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation and for failing to appear at his original sentencing. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Vazquez-Baez, 33, of Buffalo, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine. He received 120 months for the drug conviction and an additional 46 months for missing his initial court appearance.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, Vazquez-Baez conspired with others between July and September 2017 to distribute cocaine in the Niagara Falls area. The operation was led by Cesar Rivera-Figueroa, who coordinated the group’s activities.
Investigators intercepted a phone call on September 13, 2017, during which Rivera-Figueroa told Vazquez-Baez: “I have some lockers for you to take a look at. I already gave six, but for you to see them and offer them around... I’m like a display cabinet right now.” Later that day, Vazquez-Baez met Rivera-Figueroa and collected packaged quantities of cocaine. That evening he contacted Rivera-Figueroa again seeking more drugs but was told there was no supply available.
On September 29, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Vazquez-Baez’s residence where they found a firearm with ammunition, multiple quantities of cocaine and marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and several cell phones.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation led by Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the Drug Enforcement Administration under Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam; the Buffalo Police Department led by Acting Commissioner Craig Macy; and the New York State Police directed by Major Amie Feroleto.
