Riverhead woman accused of dealing heroin held on $250,000 bail
A Riverhead woman who allegedly sold heroin as part of a multi-million dollar, Suffolk-wide drug network has pleaded not guilty to felony conspiracy and drugs charges, court records show.
Jacqueline Cleary, 27, faces five charges for conspiracy, drugs sales and possession. She remains held in Suffolk County jail on $250,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond after her arraignment Thursday, court records show.
Ms. Cleary had been expected to be arraigned last Wednesday, but her case was adjourned, said district attorney spokesman Robert Clifford.
Her attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.
Prosecutors said Ms. Cleary picked up “52 sleeves” of heroin — branded as High Octane and sold for $10 a piece — from accused Brooklyn kingpin Miguel Vicente during the 38 days authorities were actively monitoring the operation. She then allegedly sold the drugs in the Hauppauge, Brentwood and Central Islip areas as an individual seller.
She twice sold drugs to undercover officers as part of the High Octane network — once on Feb. 6 and again on March 5, according to a criminal complaint against her.
Ms. Cleary — who was convicted of drug sales once before — also met with Mr. Vicente and an associate of his on March 1 to settle a “narcotics transaction,” the documents state. Prosecutors said Ms. Clearly only recently moved to the Riverhead area before she was arrested.
The drug network was running for at least a year before it was busted, said District Attorney Thomas Spota. Ms. Cleary is due back in court on May 15.
