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INDICTED ON COCAINE CHARGES IN ALBUQUERQUE Sandalio Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, David Iglesias, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Gilbert Gallegos, Chief, Albuquerque Police Department, today announced the indictment of seven local residents for trafficking in cocaine and crack cocaine. Those indicted were Paul Jesse Ornelas, Charles Eliot Britt, Rondale Gaskin, Donnel Gaskin, Michael Dixon, Frank Crockett and Fiztgerald Younger, all current residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Each of the individuals has been charged with distribution of crack cocaine and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The investigation, targeting a large-scale crack cocaine distribution organization operating in Albuquerque, was part of the Department of Justice Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The program brings federal, state and local law enforcement agencies together to pursue significant drug related prosecutions. "With these indictments, law enforcement has disrupted a trafficking organization responsible for putting 4 to 5 kilos of crack onto the streets of Albuquerque each month," noted DEA Special Agent in Charge Gonzalez. "This is another outstanding example of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement. DEA has a strong working relationship with local law enforcement in New Mexico and I would like to commend the efforts of the United States Attorney's Office and the Albuquerque Police Department in this investigation." Albuquerque Police Chief Gallegos stated the following, "We are proud of the working relationship we share with federal law enforcement and the ability to join together as one strong force to combat the on-going threat associated with the drug trade" These charges have been filed in United States District Court. An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. All defendants will appear in United States District Court. If convicted, each faces long sentences in federal prison. For additional information, contact DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steven Derr at 505-346-7425. |
