By: Richard L. Smith
Five individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with a federal investigation into cocaine distribution and firearms trafficking in the Trenton area, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced that the arrests stem from a months-long investigation led by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The defendants are:
- Kenny Scaley-Sandoval, 32, a Guatemalan citizen residing in Trenton without legal status in the United States
- Kelvin Tavarez, 30, of Trenton
- Enoc Pimentel, 39, of Clifton
- Andy Nazario, 44, of Clifton
- Timothy Rios, 32, of Lorain, Ohio
Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, Pimentel, and Nazario appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin T. Quinn in Trenton federal court on June 10. Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel were ordered detained pending further proceedings.
Rios was arrested in Virginia and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight in the Eastern District of Virginia. He remains detained and is awaiting transfer to New Jersey.
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, investigators began examining suspected drug distribution and firearms trafficking activities in and around Trenton in August 2025.
During the investigation, authorities seized more than 3.8 kilograms of cocaine linked to the alleged drug trafficking operation involving Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel.
Investigators also recovered 16 handguns and rifles connected to the firearms trafficking conspiracy involving Scaley-Sandoval and Rios.
Additionally, during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant on June 10, officers recovered cocaine, cash, and materials commonly used in drug distribution from an attic at Nazario’s residence.
Federal prosecutors charged Scaley-Sandoval, Tavarez, and Pimentel with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years, along with a potential fine of up to $5 million.
Scaley-Sandoval and Rios are charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Nazario is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million if convicted.