Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that David Jesus Pagan and co-defendant Rafael Burgos were the leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed illegal narcotics in the Dunkirk area between 2013 and June 10, 2015. During that time, members distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine throughout the Dunkirk area.

Pagan was arrested in June of 2015 along with Burgos, Javier Pagan, Jr., Angel Pierluissi, Samuel Hernandez III, and Alvin Torres. Search warrants were executed at the time of the arrests at six properties which resulted in the recovery of more than seven kilograms of cocaine (the largest seizure ever in the City of Dunkirk) and approximately $175,000 in cash as well as an AR-15 assault rifle with a 30 round magazine, most of which was found in the defendant’s residence. During a search of Burgos’ residence, officers discovered a secret room with a money counting machine. All defendants have been convicted.

Friday’s plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office, the Dunkirk Police Department, under the direction of Chief David C. Ortolano, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph A. Gerace, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb, and the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Patrick Swanson.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.

The six men are identified as 39-year-old David Jesus Pagan; 40-year-old Rafael Burgos, Jr.; 34-year-old Samuel Hernandez III; 31-year-old Javier Pagan, Jr. ; 30-year-old Alvin Torres, Jr. ; and 28-year-old Angel Pierluissi; all of Dunkirk.

The indictment came after federal drug agents executed search warrants at six Dunkirk residences on June 10. During the search, nearly eight kilograms of cocaine, $175,000 in cash, and an AR-15 assault rifle with a 30-round magazine were seized.

All six suspects have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The investigation is a long-term investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the DEA into the cocaine distribution network and has been ongoing for an extended period.  It is believed that the network is distributing more than a kilogram of cocaine per week.

As a result of the information obtained during the course of the entire investigation it will be continued and additional arrests will be made in Dunkirk and other areas.

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and City of Dunkirk Police Department.