The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 96-month prison sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy on Carlos Cruz, 49.

Cruz used three of his children to help him distribute heroin and cocaine in Monroe and Wayne Counties during 2011-2014.According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Cruz, who resided in Wayne and Monroe counties at the time of the offense and later moved to Florida, claimed on appeal that Judge Conaboy should have imposed a lesser sentence based on certain of Cruz's personal characteristics.The Third Circuit Court rejected Cruz's arguments and noted that Judge Conaboy appropriately considered the relevant sentencing factors in imposing a sentence in the middle of the applicable guideline range.The Third Circuit Court said Judge Conaboy appropriately "highlighted the distinct role that Cruz played in the illicit enterprise.""Cruz," noted the Court, "was the leader of the criminal activity, and his co-defendants were his children."Judge Conaboy, the Third Circuit Court said, "explained that Cruz had taught his family to disrespect the law."Cruz previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with his children and others from Monroe and Wayne counties, to distribute heroin and cocaine. Brandon Cruz, Tiffanyann Cruz, and Rubie Cruz also pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy.The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Wayne County District Attorney's Office, and Pocono Mountain Regional Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case and handled the appeal.