New Jersey Men Indicted in Cocaine Conspiracy

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Richard “Richie” Sinde, age 56, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, and Robert “Bobby” Ingrao, age 74, of Lodi, New Jersey, were indicted last month for trafficking 9 kilograms of cocaine.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.

Sinde and Ingrao are each charged with conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and with possessing and intending to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  Sinde was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and released with conditions.  Ingrao will be arraigned at a later date. 

On April 2, 2021, Ingrao was driving a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee north on Interstate 87, according to a criminal complaint previously filed against him.  New York State Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in Greene County.  Ingrao, who was driving alone, told Troopers that he was returning the vehicle to Schenectady, according to the complaint.  Troopers discovered that Ingrao lacked a driver’s license, and decided to arrest him and tow the Jeep.  While taking an inventory of the Jeep’s contents, according to the complaint, Troopers discovered a hidden compartment, or “trap,” in the vehicle’s trunk area.  The trap concealed 9 kilograms of cocaine, according to the complaint. 

The charges in the indictment and complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, each man faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as at least 5 years of supervised release.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

This case is being investigated by the DEA’s Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, which includes DEA Special Agents and investigators from state and local police agencies, including the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.