Los Angeles, CA – Federal authorities have announced the arrest of five people in connection with a massive cross-country drug trafficking network that moved 22 tons of cocaine and over $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York City. The announcement came from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday.
Ringleaders Already in Custody
According to prosecutors, alleged ringleaders David Rodriguez, 45, of Dumont, New Jersey—known as “Gotti” and “Fat Boy”—and Raymond O’Connell, 39, of Manhattan—known as “Sal” and “White Boy”—have been in custody since 2024.
The men are accused of running shipments of bulk cocaine stored at a California Jewelry Mart storefront in downtown Los Angeles.
Luxury Shipping Routes for Drugs and Cash
Authorities say cocaine was sent in locked plastic cases disguised as legitimate cargo moving through New York City’s Diamond District. Shipments were facilitated by high-value freight forwarding companies that usually handle jewelry, precious metals, and art.
- 800 parcels of cocaine were shipped from Los Angeles to New York, totaling an estimated 22 tons with a street value of $315 million.
- Over 500 parcels of cash were shipped back from New York to Los Angeles, worth about $105 million.
The DOJ confirmed that during the probe, investigators seized $2.8 million in cash, nearly 1,600 pounds of cocaine, and several luxury cars and jewelry items purchased with drug profits.
Other Defendants and Guilty Pleas
Another figure in the scheme, Ronnell Sweat, 47, of New York City, pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges in 2024 and is serving a 15-year federal prison sentence.
As per KTLA, the five suspects arrested on September 16 include:
- Jamel Donald Levy, 52, of Brooklyn
- Bruce Adams, 50, of Bronx
- Cindy Rachel Imbert, 33, of Englewood, New Jersey
- Nohely Jimenez, 30, of downtown Los Angeles
- Lorna “Cookie” Martinez, 42, of downtown Los Angeles
East Coast defendants appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday. The two Los Angeles suspects are scheduled to appear in federal court in L.A. on Wednesday.
Charges and Penalties
Rodriguez and O’Connell are facing severe charges, including:
- Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine
- Four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
- Conspiracy to launder money and money laundering
If convicted, both face mandatory life sentences in federal prison. The cocaine charges carry a 10-year mandatory minimum and up to life imprisonment, while money laundering charges carry up to 20 years.
Two Suspects Still Wanted
Investigators are still searching for Daniel “Nice” Vega, 52, and Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, 40, both of New York City, who remain at large…