NEW YORK
Federal prosecutors charged retired police officer Nicholas Tartaglione with quadruple murder committed in Chester, New York, in April 2016.
Tartaglione was arrested Monday and charged in a five-count Indictment for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms and more of cocaine and for the murders of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of that conspiracy.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “While all murders tear at the fabric of our communities, when the alleged perpetrator of a gangland-style, quadruple homicide is a former police officer, that strikes at the heart of civilized society. As alleged, Nicholas Tartaglione, a former Briarcliff Manor police officer, participated in the senseless murder of four people in a bar in Chester, New York. These four men had not been seen or heard from since the day of their alleged murder. We hope that today’s arrest brings some measure of comfort to the victims’ families and loved ones.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated: “The despicable acts of murder are more egregious in this case because the alleged murderer, a former police officer, once swore to serve and protect people from harm. The FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force works day after day to battle the crimes that accompany the drug trade to keep criminals and their illegal actions from impacting innocent people. We hope the victims’ families and community find some solace in an arrest being made.”
As alleged in the Indictment filed Tuesday:
From June 2015 up to April 2016, Tartaglione and others conspired to sell five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In April 2016, Tartaglione participated in the killing of Martin Luna, Urbano Santiago, Miguel Luna, and Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of that cocaine distribution conspiracy, some of whom were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The murders all took place in and around a bar called the Likquid Lounge in Chester, New York.
United States v. Nicholas Tartaglione, S1 16 Cr. 832 (KMK)
|
CHARGES |
MAXIMUM PENALTIES |
|---|---|
| Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. | Life in prison
Mandatory minimum: |
| Murder of Martin Luna in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. | Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum: |
| Murder of Urbano Santiago in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. | Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison |
| Murder of Miguel Luna in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. | Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison |
| Murder of Hector Gutierrez in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. | Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum: 20 years in prison |