United States Attorney David Metcalf announced on Apr. 1 that two men have been charged in separate drug cases involving large quantities of narcotics in the Lehigh Valley area.
The indictments are part of ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking and related crimes, which officials say threaten community safety and public health.
According to the indictment, Richie Rivera, 33, of Reading, Pennsylvania, was found with about 1.24 kilograms of heroin, approximately 435 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, medetomidine, and xylazine, around 711 grams of cocaine, and roughly 206 grams of methamphetamine on or about February 24 in Berks County. The indictment also states that Rivera had previously been convicted in October 2023 for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted on these new charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. The case is being investigated by the Reading Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti prosecuting.
In a separate case from Northampton County on or about March 2, Samuel Paulino, 51, from Union City, New Jersey was indicted for possession with intent to distribute approximately four kilograms of heroin and six kilograms of cocaine. Paulino also faces a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. His case is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Schopf.
Both cases fall under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative described as using all resources available to repel illegal immigration activities and eliminate cartels as well as transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
Officials remind the public that “the charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.”
