PITTSBURGH, PA — Co-conspirators from Ohio and Florida have each been sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. The sentencing was announced on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Following their prison terms, both men will face four years of supervised release for their convictions on conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentences on Luis Mattei-Albizu, 42, of Columbus, Ohio, and Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 43, of Kissimmee, Florida.
The court heard that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had been investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization operating throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. From December 2019 through August 2020, the DEA conducted a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. During this time, both Mattei-Albizu and Ayala-Ruberte were intercepted orchestrating and directing the movement of cocaine through the mail for redistribution.
In addition to the intercepted communications, agents seized cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, firearms, and a considerable amount of United States currency from members of the organization.
In delivering the sentences, Judge Ranjan emphasized the severity of the offenses. Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Olshan praised several agencies for their role in the investigation leading to the successful prosecutions of Mattei-Albizu and Ayala-Ruberte. These included the Drug Enforcement Administrations in Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Homeland Security Investigations in Pittsburgh and Orlando, Florida; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service in Columbus; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force–Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.