PITTSBURGH, PA — A Florida resident has entered a guilty plea in federal court for violating federal narcotics laws. Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, a 55-year-old individual from Kissimmee, Florida, pleaded guilty on October 6, 2023. The charge includes conspiracy to distribute and possess, with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine. This operation took place during the period from March 2019 to September 2020. The plea was presented before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Ayala-Ruberte is among thirteen defendants who have been indicted in this specific case.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated throughout the United States, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Beginning in December of 2019 and continuing through August of 2020, the DEA received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization. Ayala-Ruberte was 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 bulk United States Currency from members of the organization.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2024. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The DEA in Pittsburgh, PA; the DEA, Columbus, OH; the DEA, Harrisburg, PA; Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pittsburgh, PA; HSI, Orlando, FL; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; United States Postal Service, Columbus, Ohio; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; Lawrence County Drug Task Force – Special Investigations Unit; and New Castle Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Ayala-Ruberte.
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