United States v. Vilella

OPINION & ORDER

SCHEINDLIN, District Judge.

Background

Defendant Pablo Vilella (“Pablo” or “Vi-lella”) was charged with one RICO conspiracy count in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) (Count 2) and one narcotics conspiracy count in violation of 21 U.S.C. § .846 (Count 31). In the RICO conspiracy count, Vilella was charged, inter alia, with the following predicate acts: (1) conspiracy to rob and armed robbery of Jose Ramon Balbi; (2) conspiracy to murder and murder of Jose Ramon Balbi; and (3) conspiracy to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine. The jury found Vilella guilty of both the…