United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEWARK, NJ – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram recently announced the appointment of Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz as the new Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the DEA New Jersey Division.

Cheryl Ortiz is a 20-year veteran of the DEA, and most recently served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Miami Field Division with oversight of the Ft. Myers Resident Office, Task Force Group 13, Special Support Unit, OCDETF/Asset Forfeiture Group and the Administration Division. Prior to SAC Ortiz’ assignment as ASAC, she was the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Operations and Acting Administrator. In addition, during her tenure at Headquarters, she served as an Inspector for the Office of Professional Responsibility and a Staff Coordinator at the Special Operations Division where she supported and oversaw DEA operations throughout the Mexico, Central America and Canada section and the Latin America and Caribbean section. SAC Ortiz served as a Supervisory Special Agent in two HIDTA Task Forces, one out of the Miami Field Division and the other out of the Washington Division. Her enforcement and leadership experience in both large and small divisions, as well as in her Headquarters assignments, make her uniquely well rounded. She also brings leadership skills from her military service and time in local law enforcement.

SAC Ortiz will oversee all of DEA’s operations in New Jersey, to include the New Jersey Division Office in Newark, Paterson Post of Duty, Monmouth Post of Duty, Atlantic City Resident Office and Camden Resident Office. She takes over as the first Hispanic woman to lead DEA’s New Jersey Division. 

“I am honored to have been appointed to serve as the new Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s New Jersey Division and look forward to working with the New Jersey law enforcement community, state and local officials, and community-based drug prevention organizations,” said SAC Ortiz. “I want the residents of New Jersey to know that the men and women of the DEA remain committed to protecting them from the harmful effects that illegal drugs have on our communities.”

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