Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, alongside Frank A. Tarentino, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced that Pedro Marte was presented in White Plains federal court on charges related to drug trafficking. Marte faces two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Clayton stated: "As alleged, Pedro Marte turned a New Rochelle hotel room into a dangerous drug lab. A law enforcement investigation revealed that Marte possessed large quantities of cocaine and deadly fentanyl. We should all be able to stay in a hotel without worrying about exposure to dangerous and potentially lethal drug trafficking."
Tarentino added: "Pedro Marte’s use of his hotel room as a clandestine drug lab not only placed the lives of innocent guests in danger but was reckless and unconscionable. We are thankful to our law enforcement partners and our first responders for their quick actions."
According to allegations in the complaint, on April 6, 2025, law enforcement and fire department personnel responded to an incident at a New Rochelle hotel where they found damage to 27 rooms. They discovered evidence suggesting the conversion of powder cocaine into crack cocaine within one room rented by Marte. Further investigations led officers to find approximately three kilograms of cocaine and 12.2 grams of fentanyl along with distribution paraphernalia.
Marte, aged 47 from New York City, is charged with one count each for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. The former carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years imprisonment; the latter could result in up to 20 years imprisonment.
The prescribed sentences are set by Congress but will ultimately be determined by a judge upon sentencing. Clayton commended the efforts of DEA agents, New Rochelle Police Department officers, and fire department personnel involved in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmi Schickler leads the prosecution under the Office's White Plains Division.
The charges against Marte remain allegations until proven guilty.