News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2005

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Charge

June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR FRIAS-VALENCIA, age 26 (DOB 01/03/79), of 40 Park Place, Apt. C-2, New Rochelle, New York, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute one kilogram of cocaine. FRIAS-VALENCIA entered his plea before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport federal court.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, FRIAS-VALENCIA was arrested on September 29, 2004 in Greenwich by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized approximately one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of cocaine from FRIAS-VALENCIA.

FRIAS-VALENCIA is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2006, by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $2,000,000.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James K. Filan, Jr.