United States Attorney David Metcalf announced on Apr. 1 that two men have been charged in separate drug cases in the Lehigh Valley area.
The announcement highlights ongoing efforts to address narcotics trafficking and related crime in Pennsylvania communities.
Richie Rivera, 33, of Reading, Pennsylvania, has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that on or about February 24 in Berks County, Rivera was found with approximately 1.24 kilograms of heroin, around 435 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, medetomidine and xylazine, about 711 grams of cocaine and roughly 206 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment also states that Rivera had previously been convicted in October 2023 for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted on the new charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Reading Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti.
Samuel Paulino, 51, from Union City, New Jersey has also been indicted for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. According to the indictment filed against him regarding events on or about March 2 in Northampton County, Paulino was found possessing approximately four kilograms of heroin and six kilograms of cocaine. He also faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The investigation involved the Pennsylvania State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration; Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schopf is prosecuting this case.
These indictments are part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative utilizing resources from the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Authorities emphasize that all charges contained within these indictments are accusations only; every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
