Cecilio Wareham, a 48-year-old resident of Queens, New York, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The plea was entered in October as part of a broader investigation into drug trafficking organizations operating in Ulster County.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; and Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).
Wareham was among ten individuals indicted in April 2025 for their involvement in distributing significant amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in Kingston and other parts of Ulster County. Authorities allege that these organizations distributed over 11 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of cocaine base. Law enforcement seized more than five kilograms of cocaine and 270 grams of cocaine base during searches and enforcement actions.
As part of his guilty plea, Wareham admitted to supplying his co-conspirator, Greg Tejada, with quantities of cocaine for redistribution. This included over two kilograms seized from Tejada in October 2024.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This guilty plea sends a clear and unequivocal message: we will aggressively dismantle the drug-trafficking networks that threaten the safety of our communities. Our work is far from finished, but this case proves that those who choose to spread dangerous narcotics will face decisive accountability. I strongly commend our federal, state, and local partners for their unwavering dedication and coordination throughout this investigation.”
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel stated: “This plea is the result of a sustained, collaborative investigation aimed at dismantling criminal networks that traffic dangerous drugs into our communities. HSI New York and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the supply chains, distributors, and organizations responsible for fueling addiction and violence. Our efforts will remain relentless as we work to safeguard the public.”
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said: “URGENT and our partnering agencies remain committed to protecting Ulster County from the destructive impact of narcotics trafficking. This case highlights the strength of interagency cooperation and the dedication of our investigators. We will continue to pursue those who bring illegal drugs into our neighborhoods and ensure they are brought before the justice system.”
Wareham is scheduled for sentencing on February 26, 2026 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. He faces a minimum prison term of ten years with a possible maximum sentence up to life imprisonment, fines up to $10 million, and supervised release ranging from five years up to life.
Other defendants charged with conspiracy include Damon Dunn (“Moe”), Greg Tejada (“Bear”), Richard Johnson, Kevin Dunn, Aidan White, Kristine Scibelli, Xavier Patterson (“Xay”), Allen McGraw (“Snoop”), and Raymond Robinson—each facing varying mandatory minimums based on their charges.
Additional charges among some defendants include distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case involves cooperation between HSI; Ulster County Sheriff’s Office through URGENT; Federal Bureau of Investigation; New York State Police Special Investigations Unit; Valhalla; along with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
These prosecutions fall under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159—aimed at eliminating criminal cartels and transnational crime within U.S borders through interagency collaboration.
