Two Loiza Boys Gang Associates Sentenced On Drug Charges

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 Jorge Quinones, 39, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin, was sentenced to 151 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. In addition, Judge Skretny sentenced Jose Rivera, 35, also of Buffalo, to 120 months in prison for his conviction on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the sentencing, stated that the defendants were associates of a gang known as the Loiza Boys, which has been distributing heroin and cocaine on Buffalo’s West Side since at least 2006.

The defendants were charged in 2013 along with eight co-conspirators following a long-term investigation that involved the interception of telephone calls of various defendants and the use of undercover drug purchases from some of those charged. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized over 450 grams of heroin, three firearms, and over $70,000 in U.S. currency.

Nine of the 10 defendants have been convicted. Charges are pending against Josbel Garcia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The sentencings are the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.