Thirteen Indicted in Sales of Heroin, Fentanyl and Cocaine: Upper East Side Fatal Overdose Sparked Investigation

Bronx Dealer Faces Charges of Reckless Endangerment for Knowingly Selling Potentially Lethal Fentanyl; Former NYPD Officer Charged in Narcotic Sales to Undercover Officer

  Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, and New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill announced the arrest and indictment of 13 individuals on charges stemming from a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in Manhattan and the Bronx. The investigation was sparked by a fatal overdose in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Members of the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Manhattan North Major Case Team arrested the defendants as a result of a long-term wiretap investigation. Police recovered a .40 caliber gun and quantities of narcotics in a series of court authorized searches. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Abraham Clott, Part 61, 111 Centre Street.

An indictment filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) contains charges of Conspiracy in the Second and Fourth Degrees, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First, Second and Third Degrees, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First, Second and Third Degrees, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in or Near School Grounds, Criminal Sale of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. reviewed and submitted wiretap applications for court authorization.

The investigation began following the death of a 28-year-old man who fatally overdosed inside the restroom of a diner on York Avenue on the evening of January 22, 2018. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be acute intoxication due to the combined effect of fentanyl, heroin and alprazolam. A glassine envelope of fentanyl-laced heroin was recovered from the scene of the fatal overdose. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid drug that is increasingly common on the black market and is responsible for more than half of all overdose deaths in New York City. As a result of the wiretap investigation, police uncovered a network of narcotics dealers and suppliers who allegedly conspired together to distribute narcotics in the Bronx and Manhattan.

At the outset of the investigation, police learned the overdose victim’s friend and neighbor CHRISTOPHER WAGNER, who died during the course of the investigation, regularly obtained heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from JOSE JORGE, aka “CATAÑO,” an alleged narcotics dealer in the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx. An undercover officer began making purchases of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl from CHRISTOPHER WAGNER while also unsuccessfully attempting to buy drugs directly from CATAÑO. CATAÑO told the undercover officer he was wary of selling narcotics to a new customer due to concerns about a possible police investigation into the death of the 28-year-old overdose victim.

Despite these purported concerns, CATAÑO allegedly continued to sell narcotics to CHRISTOPHER WAGNER. CHRISTOPHER WAGNER in turn agreed to sell narcotics to the undercover officer, who was instructed to drive to 425 White Plains Road in Soundview, CATAÑO’s home at the time, and wait outside. Police observed CHRISTOPHER WAGNER’s father, former police officer EDWARD WAGNER, serving as a driver for his son. EDWARD WAGNER retired from the NYPD in 1994. In this manner, CHRISTOPHER WAGNER made eight purchases from CATAÑO and sales to the undercover officer, including three sales involving fentanyl in March and April of 2018.

On June 12, 2018, CATAÑO spoke to the undercover officer by phone and informed the undercover officer that CHRISTOPHER WAGNER had died. CATAÑO agreed to meet the undercover officer the next day to complete a heroin sale that had been arranged by CHRISTOPHER WAGNER prior to his death. On June 13, 2018, CATAÑO sold heroin to the undercover officer in the vicinity of 415 Soundview Avenue. CATAÑO made seven subsequent sales to the undercover officer, including a sale of nearly five grams of fentanyl-laced heroin for $660 on November 13, 2018.

During these sales, CATAÑO revealed that he viewed fentanyl as good for business, because while it gives a higher high, it also wears off faster. CATAÑO acknowledged the dangers of overdose, especially for those customers who had not used opioids recently or who were accustomed to heroin but not to fentanyl. However, CATAÑO claimed overdoses increased sales because when word spread, customers came looking for the same product.

In addition to charges of Conspiracy in the Second and Fourth Degrees, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First, Second and Third Degrees, CATAÑO faces four counts of Reckless Endangerment for the four alleged fentanyl sales – three to CHRISTOPHER WAGNER and one to the undercover officer.

On July 18, 2018, while continuing to make alleged sales to the undercover officer, CATAÑO provided EDWARD WAGNER’s phone number to the undercover officer. Between July 24, 2018 and November 13, 2018, EDWARD WAGNER met with the undercover officer on seven dates. During those meetings he sold cocaine and heroin, two boxes of bullets, a ballistic vest and a shotgun and shotgun shells. Sales occurred inside EDWARD WAGNER’s residence at 1540 York Avenue and in the immediate vicinity.

As a result of the wiretap investigation, police identified a chain of narcotics dealers and suppliers who allegedly conspired together to distribute narcotics in the Bronx and Manhattan. The defendants conducted a total of 23 sales of narcotics to the undercover officer for nearly $35,000. As detailed in the indictment, JASON MORALES, of the Bronx, allegedly supplied narcotics to CATAÑO. Defendants KADDIER HERRANS-PAGAN and WILFREDO ROSARIO-VELEZ, aka “MAMOTA,” allegedly provided kilogram quantities of cocaine to MORALES.

In the largest of these sales, which occurred on November 19, 2018, MORALES and CATAÑO provided approximately 98 grams of cocaine to the undercover officer in exchange for $4,500. On January 16, 2019, CATAÑO allegedly removed nearly 70 grams of cocaine from under the gas flap of MORALES’s vehicle and provided it to the undercover officer in exchange for $3,080.

MORALES also allegedly supplied narcotics to defendants JOSE FELICIANO and MIGUEL SANTANA, aka “DOMI,” of the Bronx, and JORGE ABAD, of Manhattan. FELICIANO in turn allegedly supplied heroin to CATAÑO and defendant JUAN RUIZ, of the Bronx. ABAD served as a supplier for EDWARD and CHRISTOPHER WAGNER and a network of street level drug dealers in Upper Manhattan.

Police recovered a .40 caliber gun from RUIZ’s residence, located at 1251 Bronx River Avenue in Soundview. Police also recovered ammunition from EDWARD WAGNER’s residence at 1540 York Avenue and over $100,000 cash and a quantity of narcotics from the home of ROSARIO-VELEZ. CATAÑO had a small amount of narcotics and packaging consistent with individual sales in his current residence at 1776 Lacombe Avenue in Soundview.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan commended the work of SNP’s Special Investigation Bureau and Investigators Unit, the NYPD’s Manhattan North Major Case Team and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., and thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark.

“The conspiracy stretched from the South Bronx to the Upper East Side and involved widespread distribution of narcotics at a time when overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in New York City,” Special Narcotics Prosecutor Brennan said. “One member of the organization openly acknowledged that the fentanyl-laced heroin he sold increased the risk of death, but nonetheless he viewed fentanyl as good for business. We are committed to seeing that those who knowingly sell lethal narcotics are held accountable and punished appropriately upon conviction.”

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, “The trafficking of narcotics in New York City will never be tolerated, neither by law enforcement nor by the people we serve. We are relentless in precisely targeting those who peddle these dangerous drugs and diminish the quality of life in our communities. I thank and commend the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Manhattan District Attorney, Bronx District Attorney, and all of the investigators whose efforts resulted in these arrests and indictments.”

Indictment	Charges
Jose Jorge, aka “Cataño”; Bronx, NY; 9/4/1972	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 4 cts; CSCS 2nd – 2 cts; CSCS 3rd – 10 cts; Reckless Endangerment 2nd – 4 cts
Jason Morales; Bronx, NY; 12/14/1983	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 2 cts; CPCS 1st – 3 cts; CPCS 2nd – 1 ct
Kaddier Herrans-Pagan; Bronx, NY; 11/15/1982	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 1 ct; CPCS 1st – 2 cts
Wilfredo Rosario-Velez, aka “Mamota”; Bronx, NY; 3/10/1985	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 1 ct; CPCS 1st – 2 cts
Miguel Santana, aka “Domi”; Bronx, NY; 12/2/1963	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CPCS 1st – 1 ct
Jose Feliciano; Bronx, NY; 11/4/1983	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 2 cts; CSCS 2nd – 1 ct
Juan Ruiz; Bronx, NY; 9/8/1987	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 1 ct; CPCS 1st – 1 ct
Angel Colon, aka “Bebo”; New York, NY; 9/6/1976	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 1 ct; CPCS 1st – 1 ct
Jorge Abad; New York, NY; 8/17/1976	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 5 cts; CPCS 1st – 1 ct; CSCS 3rd – 1 ct
Edward Wagner; New York, NY; 3/21/1954	Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 1st – 2 cts; CSCS 3rd – 2 cts
Angel Ramirez; New York, NY; 9/1/1991	Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; CSCS 3rd – 1 ct; CSCS in or Near School Grounds – 1 ct; Criminal Sale of Marijuana 4th – 1 ct
Rene Borrero; New York, NY; 1/30/1965	Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct
Andy Torres; New York, NY; 2/4/1997	Conspiracy 4th – 1 ct; Criminal Sale of Marijuana 4th – 3 cts

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Castle Hill Public Safety Dinner/Meeting

(L - R) Ms. Roxanne Reid (Tenant Leader Castle Hill Houses). NCO Officer Torres, NCO Officer Sullivan, Activist Oswald Dennis, Sheik Musa Drummond (editor Parkchester Times), Castle Hill/Parkchester District Leader John Perez, and Marion (Tiny) Frampton of the Black Spades 

It started out with a few people, but by the end of last Friday's Public Safety Dinner/meeting in the Castle Hill Senior Center there were over forty people in the room. 

The meeting was called as the NYPD had recognized the 43rd Precinct as one of four precincts citywide where there appears to be a spike in crime, while everywhere else crime is still decreasing. 

Marion (Tiny) Frampton once a gang member has brought back a couple of his gang members to try to teach children that becoming a gang member is not the answer to what is bothering you. The former gang now community organization is called 'The Black Spades.'

They go around trying to stop gang violence and crime before it can start. It is hard to do Frampton said when gangs are now recruiting children as young as eleven and twelve to rob the elderly.

John Perez the District Leader from the Castle Hill/Parkchester area (and former U.S. Army Sergeant said that he is representing Councilman Diaz Sr., and that he will give a full report of the meeting to the councilman. DL Perez mentioned that any problems need to be addressed quickly as was the case when he found out about the lack of heat and hot water to most residents of the Castle Hill Houses during the cold snap in January. That was fixed after DL Perez led camera crews into a few apartments, and he spoke to one of the NYCHA on site supervisors. He also spoke of a new resiliency program that he has for the community. 

NYPD Housing NCO Officer Sullivan said that the new commanding officer of the 43rd Precinct grew up in the Castle Hill area, and wants to make sure that today's residents of the area feel as safe as he did when he was growing up.

Above - Castle Hill/Parkchester District Leader John Perez speaks about solutions to some of the area problems.

Below- A group photo after the Diner/Meeting ended.

#BXnightmarket - What do you know about NYBG's Orchid evenings?

THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT

Winter wasn't that bad but did we really need the snow?  Say no more to cold drab nights. We are here to sprinkle some sunshine and smiles all over you because, yes you deserve it! It is time to warm up your hearts and nights at NYBG for their orchid evenings starting next Saturday, March 16, 2019!

The Energy and Nightlife of Singapore Come to the Bronx

NYC’s most spectacular evening outings exclusively for adults 21 and over are back, bringing the color and nightlife of Singapore with them. Step into one of the world’s greenest cultures as supertrees come alive around you, exhilarating with a display of lights and orchids after dark in the Conservatory. 

The Bronx Night Market brings together handpicked food vendors in celebration of our borough’s diverse culture. A special pop-up during Orchid Evenings features a rotating selection of Market favorites and Asian-inspired dishes. 

Experience the sights and sounds of Singaporean nightlife with original music and playlists performed and curated by musical artist Eli Tyler along with the energetic urban choreography of Chua Yun Chun and her dance company.

Let's get the gang together for another awesome pop-up a the NYBG. Get your 20% discount with our code MARKET20. Or, snag a free ticket from our Instagram giveaway! 

Borough President Diaz & Fresh Air Fund Announce Open Registration For Camp Junior

At the annual "State of the Borough" address, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Junior celebrated the announcement of the registration opening for "Camp Junior" at Harriman State Park.

The new camp will honor the memory of Lesandro "Junior" Guzmán-Feliz, the 15-year-old who lost his life at the hands of gang violence; a brutal crime that shocked our community last year. "Camp Junior" will welcome children who live in The Bronx, between the ages of 9 and 13. The camp will provide educational opportunities, recreation and it will include an anti-violence curriculum.

"Camp Junior" will be free of charge.

"Camp Junior will provide hundreds of Bronx children with an amazing summer experience, and I am proud to have partnered with The Fresh Air Fund and the New York State Department of Parks to make this program a reality," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Junior was everything we want our children to be."

Information sessions and application assistance will be provided at events held in conjunction with Bronx Community Partners.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities, since 1877.This initiative was created through a partnership between the Borough President's office, The Fresh Air Fund and the New York State Department of Parks.

"He was a good student and a member of the NYPD Explorers. He was kind to his parents and his neighbors," said Borough President Diaz Jr., at the State of the Borough. "His candle was dimmed too soon, but he can be a shining light for generations. Starting this summer, we will give hundreds of Bronx kids a chance to learn by his example. I encourage Bronx parents to register their children for Camp Junior and take advantage of this program."

For information on how to donate or participate in the camp, visit Child.FreshAir.org or call 1-800-367-0003.

BP Ruben Diaz Jr Hosts Annual Dominican Heritage Celebration

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.

On Thursday, February 28, 2019, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Dominican Heritage Month celebration at the Beverly Hills Manor on Jerome Avenue, honoring individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of Dominican and Dominican-American community and culture.

 

"The Dominican Republic is a land of hard-working people, excelling in different walks of life and business. A great number of prominent Dominican Americans right here in The Bronx are setting examples and paving the way for other Dominicans in New York City by working hard towards their goals," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

This year's honorees include Supreme Court Appellate Division Presiding Justice Hon. Rolando Acosta, New York State Senate Secretary Alejandra N. Paulino, Esq. and Dr. Amarilis Jacobo. 

Police-involved Shooting in the 106 Precinct, Queens

March 9, 2019

Remarks as prepared for Chief of Patrol Rodney K. Harrison

The information I'm going to provide you is preliminary and subject to change, as the investigation continues.

This morning, at approximately 3:58 a.m., there was a 911 call for a dispute with weapons in front of the RRR Bar and Lounge, located at 87-18 Liberty Avenue, where a 32-year-old male victim was shot in the left foot by a 38-year-old male suspect.

Members of the 106 Precinct Anti-Crime team, consisting of one sergeant and three police officers, all in plain clothes, in the immediate vicinity, were driving past the location, when they observed the 32-year-old victim involved in a physical altercation with the 38-year-old suspect.

As the officers exited their unmarked police vehicle, they observed the victim and suspect fighting for control of a firearm.

The officers ordered the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect refused the officer's demands, at which time the officers discharged their firearms. The suspect was shot in the torso and arm.

Both the victim and suspect were taken to Jamaica Hospital, and both are listed in stable condition.

The suspect's 9mm firearm was recovered at the location. A knife was also recovered at the location.

There is body-worn camera footage of the incident, which is being reviewed by our Force Investigation Division, who is handling the investigation.

Bronx Gang Member Convicted Of Racketeering And Related Offenses, Including 2014 Shooting Of Three Individuals

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHRISTOPHER HOWARD, a/k/a “Juju,” a member of a violent, Bronx-based street gang known as “Money, Bitches, Guns” (“MBG”), was convicted yesterday of racketeering conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense.  HOWARD was convicted following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Christopher Howard was a member of a violent street gang that operated in and around NYCHA’s Mill Brook Houses.  In August 2014, he shot into a crowd of people in the Mill Brook Houses, injuring three individuals.  Now he stands convicted for his crimes.  We thank the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their tireless efforts to secure this important conviction.”

As reflected in the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

From 2007 through October 2017, HOWARD was a member of MBG, a local street gang based in the Mill Brook Houses in the Bronx that was responsible for narcotics trafficking and several acts of violence.  As part of his membership in MBG, Howard boasted about his gang membership on social media and shot at a rival gang member.  Specifically, in the early morning hours of August 17, 2014, HOWARD, aiming for a rival gang member who had previously broken HOWARD’s jaw, shot into a crowd of people gathering in a small courtyard in the Mill Brook Houses. Three people were injured as a result of the shooting, including HOWARD’s intended target.

HOWARD, 26, of the Staten Island, New York, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against Former NYC Department Of Homeless Services Police Sergeant For Violating The Constitutional Rights Of NYC Resident

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Margaret Garnett, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging CORDELL FITTS, a former New York City Department of Homeless Services (“DHS”) police sergeant, in the assault of an individual at a homeless shelter.  FITTS was charged with using excessive force against an individual seeking services (“Victim-1”) at the Bellevue Men’s Homeless Shelter in Manhattan (the “Bellevue Shelter”), in violation of Victim-1’s rights under the United States Constitution, and for filing a false report in order to cover up the assault.  During an altercation with Victim-1, FITTS used excessive and unnecessary force, including by kicking, punching, and stomping on the head of Victim-1 more than 10 times.  FITTS was arrested today and is expected to be presented before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in federal court later today.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Cordell Fitts, a former sergeant in the New York City Department of Homeless Services Police Department, used excessive force against an individual seeking services at a city facility.  Fitts’s alleged conduct not only betrayed his duty as an officer to protect those under his charge, but also violated the law.  When the constitutional rights of individuals experiencing homelessness are violated, particularly by law enforcement officers, we will act aggressively to bring wrongdoers to justice.”

DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said:  “Instead of upholding the law, this sworn officer allegedly broke it by violently attacking a man seeking assistance at a Manhattan homeless shelter, according to the charges.  Shelters should provide a safe environment for the homeless of our City, not one where clients fear the officers employed to protect them.  DOI thanks the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for its partnership on this investigation and prosecution.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

The Bellevue Shelter is a men’s homeless shelter located in Manhattan, New York.  It is maintained by DHS and its security is provided for by, among others, DHS police officers.  On the night of March 6, 2017, Victim-1 was seeking services at the Bellevue Shelter.

At the time of the incident Victim-1 was in the lobby of the Bellevue Shelter and interacting with approximately three DHS officers, including FITTS.  In the initial moments of the interaction, FITTS and Victim-1 exchanged words for approximately five to ten seconds, and FITTS gestured toward an exit area of the Bellevue Shelter.  FITTS then reached toward Victim-1, putting his hands on or about the chest area of Victim-1, and Victim-1 responded by swinging at FITTS with what appear to be closed fists.

For approximately 30 seconds, FITTS and other officers struggled with Victim-1 in a physical altercation, which resulted in Victim-1 being taken to the floor of the lobby.  When Victim-1 was taken to the ground, two officers were on the legs and back of Victim-1, and FITTS was standing next to Victim-1.  At this point, with Victim-1 on the ground and two other officers on top of Victim-1, FITTS punched Victim-1 in the area of his head approximately two times.  Subsequently, while Victim-1 remained on the ground, FITTS kicked and stomped on the head of Victim-1 approximately 11 times.

After kicking and stomping on Victim-1’s head, FITTS backed away from Victim-1 for approximately 10 seconds, as two other officers were attempting to place handcuffs on Victim-1 while he was face-down on the floor.  Following that brief period of disengagement, FITTS walked back to Victim-1 and punched him in the area of his head approximately two additional times.

In connection with this incident, FITTS dictated a report about the incident that stated, among other things, that “necessary force” was used to “safely detain” Victim-1.  The Report also stated:  “After initial medical assessment [Victim-1] stated ‘I am off my psych medication and going through a lot.’”  These statements were false and were included in the report by FITTS in order to cover up and justify the assault.

CORDELL FITTS, 34, of Manhattan, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law through use of excessive force, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and one count of falsifying a report, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Special Agents at the United States Attorney’s Office and thanked the New York City Department of Investigations for its assistance.

The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.