Keisand Santiago-Maldonado, a 33-year-old resident of Milton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 1 to five years in prison after being convicted by a jury of possessing with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Santiago-Maldonado received a sentence of 60 months in federal prison and will serve four years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Court documents show that Santiago-Maldonado was stopped by law enforcement while driving a rental car on an interstate highway in LaPorte County. Officers reported observing traffic violations before initiating the stop. During the search, authorities discovered nearly one kilogram—997 grams—of cocaine hidden under the passenger seat.
The investigation involved several agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, LaPorte County Drug Task Force, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, and Indiana State Police. The prosecution team consisted of Assistant United States Attorneys Lydia T. Lucius and Hannah T Jones as well as Appellate Chief Joseph P. Falvey.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local agencies to address drug trafficking offenses.
