Jose Carrero, a 36-year-old resident of Amsterdam, New York, has pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
Carrero's arrest took place on November 4, 2024, when DEA agents observed him placing three kilograms of cocaine into his car's trunk. At the time of his arrest, Carrero had $1,704 in cash on him. A subsequent search of his home revealed an additional $70,000 believed to be drug proceeds. As part of his plea agreement, Carrero has agreed not to contest the administrative forfeiture of this money.
The charges against Carrero could result in a prison sentence ranging from five to forty years. Additionally, he faces a potential fine up to $5 million and a term of supervised release that could extend from four years to life. The final sentence will be determined by a judge who will consider various factors including the statutes violated and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner.