Major Drug Dealer Found Guilty of Multiple Drug and Weapons Offenses

BAY CITY - Ricardo Delgado, II, the leader of a large-scale drug conspiracy operating in the Saginaw-Bay area, was convicted by a federal jury of multiple drug and weapons offenses, including drug conspiracy and possession with to intent to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, possession of multiple machineguns, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI in Michigan.

Following a week-long trial, the jury convicted Delgado, 51, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl; possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a machinegun; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of an unregistered silencer; and, use of communication facility to commit a drug offense.

Evidence at trial established that Delgado was involved in a wide-ranging drug conspiracy that involved the importation of numerous kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl from Mexico for distribution in the Saginaw-Bay area. During the course of the investigation, FBI agents learned from a court-authorized wiretap that Delgado was seeking retaliation for the theft of his drugs from a subordinate and that he ordered that subordinate to exact revenge. However, this plan was thwarted by authorities. In addition, following Delgado's arrest, law enforcement officers seized 13 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 firearms, including two machineguns, two silencers, and over $200,000 in cash from Delgado's residence.

"The collaboration between federal and local law enforcement partners demonstrated in this case speaks to our overall commitment to rid our community of dangerous drugs and violent offenders," stated United States Attorney Ison.

"Mr. Delgado's conviction today emphasizes the FBI's unwavering commitment to pursuing dangerous drug traffickers to stop further harm to our communities," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The death toll associated with illegal drugs and the fentanyl epidemic continues to rise. We are resolute in our determination to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to address this critical issue and collectively ensure those who contribute to the drug poisoning crisis while trafficking illegal firearms in our communities are brought to justice."