3 Major Dealers Charged With 27 Counts In Drug Ring Takedown: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Three alleged drug dealers were indicted on Wednesday on 27 counts for trafficking cocaine in Suffolk County, according to District Attorney Timothy D. Sini.

Jonny Giron, 25, of Copiague, was charged with operating as a major trafficker, first degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, first degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, eight counts of second degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, second degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, 10 counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second degree conspiracy, the DA said.

Victor Alzate, 35, of Wyandanch, is charged with second degree conspiracy, the DA said.

Santos Rene Canales Gutierrez, 35, of Wyandanch, is charged with second degree conspiracy, three counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child, the DA said.

An investigation by the DA’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department into the trio’s alleged illegal trafficking of narcotics began in April 2018 and involved the use of undercover officers as well as physical and electronic surveillance.

"One of the most dangerous investigative tactics that law enforcement utilizes is the use of undercover police officers," Sini said. "Those officers risk their lives every time they make a drug purchase from a criminal."

The investigation revealed evidence that the three were allegedly selling powder cocaine on a daily basis across Suffolk, especially in the Copiague, Amityville, Wyandanch, and Bay Shore areas, as well as in Nassau County.

During the course of the investigation, Giron allegedly sold cocaine to undercover police officers on 10 occasions, according to the DA.

Earlier this month, Giron and Alzate allegedly traveled to Houston , where one of the cocaine suppliers was located, in order to purchase three kilograms of cocaine to bring back and distribute in Suffolk, the DA said.

As Giron was traveling from Houston back to New York after Alzate left separately, he was apprehended by the Meridian Police Department in Meridian, Mississippi, on March 12 and was found in possession of the three kilograms of cocaine in the trunk of his car, according to the DA.

Giron is also alleged to have supplied cocaine to resellers on multiple occasions from his home on Simmons Street, which is located near the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Copiague, the DA said.

"This location is a stone’s throw away from one of the oldest, most respected churches on Long Island," Sini said. "Whenever you have a criminal operating in a particular area, there are all sorts of issues for that community: There’s an increased chance of violence and there are a lot of quality of life issues that come along with these drug houses."

Gutierrez, who is alleged to have sold cocaine on behalf of Giron, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly possessing cocaine in the presence of a two-year-old child, the DA said.

"It is our mission with these cases to clean up our communities and to stop the sale of dangerous drugs throughout the county," Sini said.

If convicted of the top count, Giron faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

If convicted of the top count, Alzate and Gutierrez each face a maximum sentence of eight to 25 years in prison. Both were arraigned on the indictment today by Suffolk County Court Judge Philip Goglas.

Bail was set for Giron at $2 million cash or $4 million bond.

Bail was set for Alzate at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond.

Gutierrez was arraigned on the indictment on Tuesday by Judge Goglas. Bail was set at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond.

Alzate and Gutierrez are due back in court on April 3. Giron is due back in court on April 19.

"The department is dedicated to pursuing and stopping dealers who are fueling the spread of narcotics to the most vulnerable, drug-addicted people, harming not only the addicts but also their families and the community as a whole," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said.