FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: JUNE 15, 2018
RE: PRESS RELEASE – RICARDO ALMENTEROS CONVICTION
Today an Ulster County jury of 5 men and 7 women found Ricardo Almenteros of Rochester, New York, guilty of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree ( a Class A-1 Felony )and Criminal Possession of Controlled in the Third Degree ( a Class B Felony ) following approximately 2 hours of deliberations.
The events which led to defendant’s indictment occurred on December 3rd, 2017, at 2:40 am, when the New York State Police conducted a vehicle and traffic stop of defendant’s vehicle following a traffic infraction on I87 north T/Plattekill. The car was occupied by 3 men, the defendant and his two sons, Ricardo E. Almenteros (19 yrs old) and Edward Pearce (23 yrs old ). The driver’s (Ricardo E.) license was suspended and each occupant gave conflicting stories as to where they were coming from.
A New York State Police Canine Specialist was brought in immediately to the scene and the dog made an alert for narcotics by the engine compartment of the suspect vehicle. A search under the hood of the suspect vehicle revealed 2.8 pounds of cocaine in brick form which was wrapped in cellophane. The cocaine was found hidden in the air intake compartment of the engine. The brick had an identifying mark of “OSO” (bear in spanish)—which is believed to belong to a high ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel in Culiacan Mexico.
The Defendant has a 2011 Federal Felony conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Sentencing is scheduled before County Court Judge Donald Williams for August 28, 2018 at 9:30 am. Almenteros is facing up to 24 years in State Prison as a Second Felony Offender.
Prior to trial Ricardo E. and Mr. Pearce pled guilty to the lessor charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fifth Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Third Degree respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Each of the sons admitted knowledge of the cocaine found in the car and implicated their father during their allocutions. Mr. Pearce also admitted that his father had “drug” debts and that the sons were being groomed to take over their father’s distribution business.
The case was prosecuted by Sr. Assistant District Attorney Clifford Owens and assisted by Assistant District Attorney Jarrid Blades. The defendant was represented by Public Defender Russell Schindler.