'Middle Man' In Long Island Drug Ring Gets 10-12 Years In Prison

A Brooklyn man was sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison today for his role in turning Long Island into a major distribution hub for heroin and cocaine.

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced the sentencing of Joseph Calixte, 30, who was convicted on Oct. 24, 2019 of first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree conspiracy. After his jail time, Calixte will also have five years of post-release supervision.

“This massive investigation stopped a multi-state drug trafficking ring from pumping huge quantities of cocaine and deadly heroin into our communities,” Singas said. “While we focus on drug treatment for those fighting addiction, we aggressively prosecute and seek tough sentences for traffickers like this defendant. Those who profit from selling poison in Nassau County will be held accountable.”

According to Singas, Calixte's car was stopped on July 4, 2017 by Nassau County DA investigators on the Southern State Parkway. They found two kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment in the trunk.

The car stop was the result of a six-month-long investigation into a multi-state heroin and cocaine smuggling ring that involved 19 people. So far, Singas said that 18 have pleaded guilty and received sentences, and one case remains open.

According to Singas, the drugs were smuggled into Phoenix, New Mexico from Mexico and then smuggled on commercial flights to JFK Airport in New York. From there, the drugs were distributed to Nassau, Suffolk and Queens, and large quantities were also sent south to Baltimore. Distribution extended to New York City, upstate New York, Chicago, Maine and Virginia, as well.

Calixte was considered a middle man in the drug ring, which distributed approximately three to five kilograms of cocaine and various quantities of heroin. The group’s profits ranged from $200,000 to $300,000 a week.