Dunkirk Man Sentenced In Major Cocaine Conspiracy

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX #: (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Samuel Hernandez, of Dunkirk, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, was sentenced to 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that between 2013 and June 10, 2015, law enforcement officers investigated a drug trafficking organization led by defendants David Jesus Pagan and Rafael Burgos, Jr. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the defendants distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine throughout the Dunkirk area.

Hernandez was arrested in June of 2013 along with David Jesus Pagan, Burgos, as well as Javier Pagan, Jr., Alvin Torres, Jr., and Angel Pierluissi. Search warrants were executed at the time of the arrests at six properties which resulted in the recovery of more than seven kilograms of cocaine and approximately $175,000 in cash as well as an AR-15 assault rifle with a 30 round magazine.

All six defendants have been convicted in this case.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office; the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief David C. Ortolano; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace; the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb; and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Patrick Swanson.

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