Thread: Three more plead guilty in Spring Valley drug probe

Three more plead guilty in Spring Valley drug probe
By STEVE LIEBERMAN
THE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: September 12, 2007)

Three more Spring Valley men pleaded guilty to felony drug charges yesterday following an investigation into drug distribution near local bars.

The Spring Valley police-led investigation resulted in 44 arrests and seizure of more than a kilo of cocaine, 42 pounds of marijuana and other drugs.

Police also confiscated guns, knives and $50,000 during the nearly year-long investigation that ended in late August. One man was charged by federal prosecutors in a murder-for-hire scheme.

The investigation involved local police and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and immigration agents.

Yesterday in County Court in New City, Spring Valley residents Jose Luis Rivera, Elder Sandoval and Alvaro Palma-Colindres pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

All three face a year in state prison and two years of post-jail supervision when sentenced next month by Judge Catherine Bartlett, District Attorney Michael Bongiorno said. They also potentially face deportation by federal immigration officials after their prison sentences, Bongiorno said. Sandoval and Palma-Colindres already have been charged with immigration violations.

Their guilty pleas brought to 15 the number of people who have pleaded to charges, including drug, burglary and robbery counts. Four people have been sentenced to state prison.

Rivera, 22, of 95 Gesner Drive admitted selling $50 worth of cocaine to an undercover village police officer on March 27. He faces sentencing Oct. 23.

Sandoval, 22, of 10 Columbus Ave. admitted in court that on July 5 he sold $20 worth of cocaine to an undercover officer at Columbus Avenue. He faces sentencing Oct. 30.

Palma-Colindres, 29, of 686 N. Main St. admitted in court to selling $20 worth of cocaine at El Valle Bar, 137 N. Main St. He faces sentencing Oct. 30.

Police said much of the drug dealing and associated crimes occurred near five bars that cater to the community's immigrant population. Four of the bars - El Valley Bard, El Kiosko, El Palermo and El Guatamalteco - are on Main Street and a fifth, BJs Tavern, is on Maple Avenue.

While 28 people were charged with immigration violations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents held at least seven people not charged in the drug operations for potential deportation as illegal immigrants.

Reach Steve Lieberman at 845-578-2443 or slieberm@lohud.com.

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs ... 023/NEWS07

Why only 7???????