Former NYPD Officer Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl And Heroin

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GRACE ROSA BAEZ pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl. BAEZ pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: "Fentanyl and heroin are driving this nation's deadly opioid crisis and are responsible for thousands of tragic deaths in this city and around the nation. Rather than protect and serve the people of New York City, former NYPD officer Grace Rosa Baez peddled deadly poison for personal gain. Today, Baez is held accountable for her selfish and reckless betrayal."

According to the filings and statements made in Manhattan federal court:

In 2012, BAEZ became an active member of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"). In 2020, due to alleged misconduct, BAEZ was placed on modified duty and was under departmental investigation. On three occasions in October 2023, while on modified desk duty at a particular NYPD facility, BAEZ sold a confidential source working with law enforcement (the "CS") packages containing over one kilogram of heroin, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and over 100 grams of fentanyl analogue. BAEZ negotiated the price and quantity of the narcotics and arranged to deliver the narcotics to the CS while she was on duty with the NYPD. BAEZ sold the narcotics to the CS outside of her homes in the Bronx and Yonkers, New York. Upon her arrest, BAEZ resigned from the NYPD.

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BAEZ, 38, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. BAEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cote on July 18, 2024.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the exceptional investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NYPD.

This case is being handled by the Office's Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.

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