ST. THOMAS -- On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, Jose Luis Ponce-Pagan, 36, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty in federal c ourt on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, before the Honorable Curtis V. Gome z to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced on Tuesday. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2016.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, between August 30, 2015, and September 3, 2015, Mr. Ponce-Pagan knowingly conspired with other individuals to purchase approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine on St. Thomas for distribution in Puerto Rico. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Ponce-Pagan remains in custody pending sentencing.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
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