The third of four suspected cocaine traffickers in Manitowoc has entered their plea.
45-year-old Jael Fernando Cruz-Arroyo was inside a Manitowoc County courtroom yesterday (October 29th) for what was intended to be a preliminary hearing as he faces one count of Conspiracy to Deliver Cocaine Over 40 Grams.
However, at that hearing, he and his legal counsel waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and Cruz-Arroyo was bound over for further proceedings. The hearing then transitioned into an arraignment, with the 45-year-old entering a plea of not guilty to the lone charge he faces.
Cruz-Arroyo joins Norval Josue Almeyda-Sanchez and Rosario Pena, who have also pled not guilty to the same charge, while a fourth codefendant, Jorge Luis Plana-Cotto, is expected to enter his plea in December.
The four individuals have been accused of facilitating the transportation of large quantities of cocaine from South America to Puerto Rico and to the Manitowoc area to be sold, primarily inside Van’s Bar.
All four suspects remain in custody in the Manitowoc County jail on cash bail ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.
