An IRS supervisory revenue agent was arrested today on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to federal officials, Michael Shelli, 41, of Albany, New York, was arrested at his home by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
He is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to the complaint:
Since March 2020, officials of the DEA have been investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in New Jersey and elsewhere. In April, law enforcement identified a residence in Saddle Brook, as a location from which members of the DTO were dealing cocaine.
The investigation revealed that Shelli had a courier pick up cocaine from the residence and deliver it to his residence in Albany. Shelli would then repackage the cocaine for sale in the area.
The conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge is punishable by a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.