Unanimous jury convicts heroin supplier after four-day trial
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Kruskall, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Leibys Mercedes was found guilty today of conspiring to distribute heroin. A unanimous jury convicted Mercedes after a four-day trial before United States District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As proven at trial, Leibys Mercedes contributed to the rising tide of heroin that is plaguing Westchester County and its vicinity. The verdict should send a message to criminals who seek to profit by flooding our community’s streets with lethal drugs.”
According to court documents and the evidence at trial:
From January 2017 up to July 2017, Mercedes, a/k/a “Celly,” conspired to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin. Mercedes supplied heroin to other dealers in the Yonkers area.
Mercedes, 37, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum terms of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mercedes is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2018, before Judge Karas.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the DEA’s Westchester Resident Office and the Narcotics Unit of the City of Yonkers Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel L. Raymond, Daniel M. Loss, Celia Cohen, and Michael D. Maimin are in charge of the prosecution.
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