WPBN: On Wednesday, two men from Pennsylvania were sentenced in federal court for their participation in a large-scale drug trafficking scheme that involved the distribution of cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania and Youngstown, Ohio.
Luciano Bratini Rivera, 37, and Markus Hobel, 35, both of New Castle, were sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
Rivera was found guilty of numerous charges of cocaine distribution and conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. As a result of his conviction, he was sentenced to 97 months in prison without the possibility of parole and four years of supervision.
Hobel was found guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony, and he was sentenced to a total of 72 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
A total of seventeen individuals were indicted in March 2024 for breaching federal laws pertaining to narcotics, guns, and racketeering.
The defendants were among those individuals. Rivera was shown to have worked closely with Daniel Feliciano, the leader of a drug trafficking group, in order to transfer kilograms of cocaine from a supplier located in Puerto Rico, according to the evidence produced by the prosecution officials.
As part of the conspiracy, Rivera dispersed the drugs to his fellow conspirators, including Hobel, so that they might be sold further in New Castle, Ellwood City, and across Lawrence County.
During his arrest, Rivera was found to be in possession of over eleven thousand dollars in addition to at least five kilograms of cocaine and the proceeds from drug sales that he had saved for Feliciano. During the latter half of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, he also made repeated visits to Philadelphia in order to trade cash for more kilograms of cocaine.
He was able to retrieve at least six kilograms of cocaine.
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To protect the organization’s staff, earnings, and drugs, Hobel, who was described as Feliciano’s bodyguard, was given the responsibility of guarding the organization.
In order to promote the drug trafficking conspiracy, it was discovered that Hobel had carried weaponry, including a handgun and a rifle. In order to ensure the safety of the operation, the evidence demonstrated that he patrolled Feliciano’s land while armed.
At the same time that the investigation was being directed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lawrence County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Drug Task Force, the case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler.
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This investigation was assisted by a number of federal, state, and local agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New Castle Police Department, the Ellwood City Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and quite a few others.
“This case underscores our commitment to dismantling dangerous drug networks and holding those involved accountable,” U.S. Attorney Olshan stated. “Through coordinated efforts, we are making significant strides in keeping our communities safe.”
