Eight Bronx men were indicted this week for allegedly peddling drugs and guns to an undercover detective and other buyers a block from Yankee Stadium, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The defendants, including seven suspects from three families, were charged in a 108-count indictment after operating for more than a year out of a storefront and van a short walk from the ballpark, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office said.
The probe started in March 2023 at the former Lush Smoke Shop at 90 East 161 Street where an undercover investigator bought cocaine and methamphetamine pills from alleged dealer Jose Tejada Jr, the district attorney’s office said.
Tejada Jr., 26, worked with relatives Ronny Fortuna, 32, and Marvin Fortuna, 29, who were allegedly slinging cocaine near the old smoke shop, according to prosecutors.
Jeriel Fernandez, 30, and Jael Fernandez, 21, also allegedly provided powdered cocaine to Tejada Jr., the district attorney’s office said.
At the start of this year, Tejada Jr. then allegedly sold eight weapons to the undercover officer, including most recently on April 10, prosecutors said.
Police raided the alleged dealers’ home on May 17, and recovered drugs and three guns, including an AK-47. About $418,000 in cash was also confiscated.
A van parked near the smoke shop stored drugs and one gun, prosecutors said.
“The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer allegedly put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy,” Bronx DA Darcel Clark said in a statement.
“These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Tejada Jr. and his father Jose Tejada Sr. 60, are facing charges in the case. Additionally, Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31, who are related, Ronny and Marvin Fortuna and Christian Espinal, 49, are all facing various charges from the sprawling indictment.
Some of the charges include first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, second-degree conspiracy and first-degree criminal sale of a firearm.
Five suspects were arraigned on Tuesday while another three have yet to appear in court, News 12 reported. Jose Tejada Jr. was remanded.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban commended the work of his undercover investigator that helped crack the case.
“These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said in a statement.
