Springfield Man Convicted Of Drug Conspiracy

BOSTON - A Springfield man was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Springfield of drug conspiracy charges.

Jose D. Cruz, 37, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

In February 2012, Cruz’s co-defendant, Ariel Acevedo arranged for the sale of approximately 150 grams of heroin to another individual. During numerous conversations, which were consensually monitored and recorded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Acevedo discussed quantities, pricing, and quality of the heroin. During the actual drug sale, Cruz provided the individual with a package containing 150 grams of heroin, and the individual provided Acevedo with $11,250 in cash.

Judge Ponsor scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2013. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Cruz faces between 60 and 71 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Acevedo is scheduled to plead guilty on March 19.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Mark G. Mastroianni, Hampden County District Attorney; and Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.