01/30/2008
Major Putnam cocaine distribution ring smashed with arrest of five men
By: Eric Gross , Staff Reporter

BREWSTER-A nine-month long investigation into illegal drug trafficking in Brewster, Carmel and Southeast has been smashed with the arrest of five men.



During the probe, undercover narcotics investigators with the Putnam Sheriff's Department infiltrated the cocaine distribution ring and according to Chief Investigator A. Gerald Schramek conducted 11 controlled "buys" from the suspects netting more than one and one-half pounds of uncut, high quality cocaine with a street value in excess of $30,000.

In addition to the cocaine, three vehicles were seized along with $6,691 in cash. Sheriff Donald Smith said his office was proceeding with an "asset forfeiture process" of the cars and cash in an effort to retain the property.

Police identified Alejandro Miranda, 22, of Brewster as the major drug supplier who provided cocaine to other street level vendors. Miranda was charged with criminal sale and criminal possession of controlled substances-the most serious offense is a Class A-1 felony carrying a mandatory life prison term upon conviction.

Schramek said the last transaction occurred on Sunday night along Route 312 near the Henry Wells Middle School when the suspect met with the undercover cops and reportedly sold them a half kilo of pure cocaine. Although school was not in session at the time, Miranda was additionally charged with criminal sale of controlled substances on or near school grounds. He was arraigned by Brewster Justice Richard O'Rourke and was remanded to the Putnam Correctional Facility without bail pending grand jury action.

Also arrested was Cristobal Sarceno, 28, of Danbury who was accused of driving Miranda to designated locations to conduct narcotics sales. Sarceno was also arrested for criminal sale and criminal possession of controlled substances and was remanded to jail without bail.

Investigators also charged Joel Salazar-Cruz, 25, of Lake Carmel, with multiple counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of controlled substances. Schramek said investigators determined that Salazar-Cruz received his cocaine from Miranda and distributed it to others in public parking lots in both the Hamlet of Carmel and in Southeast.

Salazar-Cruz was also remanded to jail without bail.

Aroldo Soto-Velasquez, 29, of Brewster, described as a street level dealer and his brother, Leonel Soto-Velasquez, 20, also of Brewster, were both charged with multiple counts of criminal sale and criminal possession of controlled substances.

Sheriff Smith said all of the suspects are currently being held at the Putnam Correctional Facility. Each of the suspects has been identified as an undocumented alien from Guatemala. "In keeping with the standard operating procedure of the Sheriff's Department, the five were reported this week to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for follow up action. ICE has lodged detainers against these men," said the sheriff.

Schramek praised the outstanding work conducted by the members of the Sheriff's Narcotics Enforcement Unit: "As a result of their hard work and dedication to duty a significant impact was made on curtailing the distribution of illegal and harmful drugs to the residents of our county."

The sheriff also cited the assistance provided by Officer Richard Rosario of the Carmel Police Department and Trooper Miguel Osorio of the Brewster State Police who assisted by being Spanish interpreters during the investigation and booking procedures.

Sheriff Smith issued a warning. "Our mission is not complete. When law enforcement removes drug dealers from our communities, others are willing to risk life imprisonment by immediately taking their place. We will never rest on our laurels but will always remain vigilant to keep Putnam safe and free from drug dealers," he said.






©Putnam County Courier 2008
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