Bronx Man Charged With Drug Conspiracy

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Shakespeare Cruz, age 45, of the Bronx, New York, was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him with a cocaine and heroin distribution conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division.

The indictment alleges that Cruz conspired with others to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and more than five kilograms of cocaine in Lewis County, New York, and elsewhere. The indictment further alleges that Cruz has two previous convictions for serious drug felonies. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted of the charges, the defendant faces up to life imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The defendant is currently held in custody without bail pending a detention hearing.

This case is being investigated the DEA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Beaty.