Eight Bronx men were indicted this week on charges they trafficked drugs and guns to undercover officers and other buyers a block away from Yankee Stadium, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
The defendants, including seven suspects from three families, are charged in a 108-count indictment with operating for more than a year from a store and van just a short walk from the ballpark, according to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation began in March 2023 at the former Rush Smoke Shop, located at 90 East 161st Street, where undercover officers purchased cocaine and methamphetamine pills from suspected dealer Jose Tejada Jr., the district attorney’s office said.
Prosecutors said Tejada Jr., 26, conspired with relatives Ronnie Fortuna, 32, and Marvin Fortuna, 29, and that the two trafficked cocaine from near an old smoke-supply store.
According to the district attorney’s office, Jeriel Fernandez, 30, and Jael Fernandez, 21, are also accused of providing powdered cocaine to Tejada Jr.
Tejada Jr. is accused of selling eight weapons to undercover agents earlier this year, most recently on April 10, prosecutors said.
Police raided the suspected dealer’s home on May 17 and seized drugs and three guns, including an AK-47. Approximately $418,000 in cash was also seized.
Prosecutors said drugs and a gun were stored in the van, which was parked near a smoking supplies store.
“The defendants allegedly sold eight guns to undercover NYPD officers, endangering subway commuters, people who work or go to school nearby, and thousands of baseball fans,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a statement.
“The suspected drug dealers were operating in broad daylight just steps from the stadium and underneath an elevated subway station.”
Tejada Jr. and his father, Jose Tejada Sr., 60, are charged in the case. Additionally, relatives Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31, Ronnie and Marvin Fortuna and Christian Espinal, 49, also face various charges in the sweeping indictment.
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 indicted on Tuesday, but the other three have yet to appear in court. News 12 reported. Jose Tejada Jr. was taken into custody.
New York Police Commissioner Edward Cabana praised the work of undercover officers who helped solve the case.
“These charges underscore the devastating threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on New York City’s streets and our unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said in a statement.
