Leader Of Large Scale Drug Trafficking Operation Sentenced To 60 Years In Federal Prison

BAY CITY - A Detroit man was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison today for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the Saginaw-Bay region, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

The 720-month sentence imposed on Ricardo Delgado, II, 51, by United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington, followed a week-long trial in June in which the jury found Delgado guilty 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 the leader of a large-scale drug conspiracy that involved the importation of numerous kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl from Mexico for distribution in the Saginaw-Bay region. 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, two kilograms of fentanyl, 12 firearms, including two machineguns, two silencers, and over $200,000 in cash from Delgado's residence.

"This defendant endangered countless individuals by trafficking in large quantities of deadly fentanyl and cocaine. He also sought to use violence to protect his trade in illicit drugs," stated U.S. Attorney Ison. "This sentence should serve as a stark warning that our office will zealously pursue those who seek to bring illegal drugs and violence into our community."

"Today's sentencing of Ricardo Delgado, a notorious drug trafficker, marks a critical milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and protect the public from its devastating effects," stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The FBI Michigan remains firmly committed to addressing the dual threats of illegal firearms trafficking and drug distribution that endanger the safety of our communities. Through collaborative efforts with our local and state law enforcement partners, we continue dismantling criminal networks and disrupting the flow of harmful substances. I sincerely thank the dedicated professionals at FBI Michigan, the Bay City Department of Public Safety, the Saginaw Police Department, the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Michigan State Police. Our collective determination to safeguard Michigan residents and uphold justice remains unwavering as we work to hold those who threaten public safety accountable."

This investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI Detroit Division (Bay City Office), special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosive (ATF), and law enforcement officials from Michigan State Police, Midland Police Department, Saginaw Police Department, Saginaw Township Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (BAYANET), and the Strike Team Investigative Narcotics Group (STING).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Turkelson and Will Orr.