United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ALBANY, N.Y. – Edwin Rodriguez, aka “Chaka,” 31, of Amsterdam, was indicted on Oct. 30 on charges that he distributed heroin mixed with fentanyl on two occasions, and possessed and intended to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan and City of Amsterdam Police Chief Gregory J. Culick.

According to the indictment, Rodriguez distributed heroin mixed with fentanyl on April 18, 2019, and May 3, 2019, both times in Amsterdam. 

On May 15, 2019, according to the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, Rodriguez was the subject of a traffic stop in Amsterdam, and was found to be carrying, in his pants, more than 100 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl. Also on May 15, according to the complaint, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s Amsterdam residence, and found additional quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and packaging materials.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Rodriguez faces at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least four years and up to life. 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.

This case is being investigated by the DEA, Albany District Office and the Amsterdam Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.