Woman Arrested on Federal Drug Charge After Allegedly Selling Cocaine While on Vacation in Chicago

CHICAGO — A woman has been arrested on a federal drug charge after allegedly selling two kilograms of cocaine while vacationing in Chicago this week.

MARINA RIVERA, 33, sold the cocaine Wednesday evening in the 3200 block of South Komensky Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  Unbeknownst to Rivera, the buyer was cooperating with law enforcement, who conducted surveillance on the transaction, the complaint states.  Rivera was arrested shortly thereafter.

Rivera was staying in a nearby residence this week while on vacation in Chicago from Mexico, the complaint states.  Law enforcement searched the residence and discovered approximately eight kilograms of cocaine inside a suitcase in the bedroom where Rivera was staying, the complaint states.

The complaint charges Rivera with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  She made an initial appearance in federal court Thursday and was ordered to remain detained in federal custody.  A detention hearing is set for July 14, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain.

The arrest and complaint were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Robert J. Bell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Dixon and Megan DeMarco.

The drug charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. 

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.