WORCESTER – A local man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges in connection with a cocaine distribution conspiracy on Monday, October 18.
Angel Cruz, a/k/a “Papo,” 61, of Fitchburg, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to federal prosecutors, Cruz conspired with another individual in the fall of 2016 to deliver cash in exchange for cocaine from the San Diego, Calif. area for distribution in Fitchburg. Cruz rented a vehicle that was used by the co-conspirator to drive to California, deliver the cash, and transport the cocaine back to Massachusetts.
Law enforcement officials stopped the co-conspirator and found the cocaine concealed inside the rented vehicle.
The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million.
The judge scheduled sentencing for February 1.
