Defendant Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Attempting to Obstruct a Federal Drug Trafficking Investigation

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Julian Gonzalez was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 57 months' imprisonment for attempted obstruction of justice. Gonzalez was convicted of this crime following a one-week jury trial in October 2024.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence.

"Gonzalez was convicted at trial of intentionally trying to destroy evidence during an ongoing criminal investigation into his narcotics trafficking," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "The jury's verdict and today's sentence make clear that those who think they are above the law, seek to undermine our judicial system, and obstruct law enforcement will be prosecuted and held accountable."

"Julian Gonzalez attempted to interfere with a federal investigation and destroy evidence linking him to drug trafficking in New York City," stated FBI Assistant in Charge Barnacle. "Today's sentencing represents the FBI's commitment to hold accountable individuals who try to conceal their crimes from law enforcement."

During an investigation into Gonzalez's drug trafficking and distribution of cocaine throughout New York City, the FBI obtained a judicially authorized warrant to seize and search his cell phone for evidence of criminal activity. On March 17, 2023, Gonzalez arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, aboard an international flight. Shortly after he landed, FBI agents met Gonzalez, identified themselves, and provided Gonzalez with the search warrant for his phone. Initially, Gonzalez reluctantly unlocked his phone and gave it to the agents. The agents then began looking through the phone and photographing Gonzalez's Signal messages that appeared to relate to drug trafficking, including the sale of one kilogram of cocaine for approximately $20,000.

Shortly after handing his phone to the FBI agents, and while the agents were conducting their preliminary search, Gonzalez asked to use his phone to call his wife. When the agents handed the phone back to Gonzalez, Gonzalez slammed the phone on the ground, causing significant damage.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Nadya Osman.

The Defendant:

JULIAN GONZALEZ
Age: 51
Yonkers, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-179 (WFK)