FREEPORT, N.Y. — A Freeport man has been arrested after police say he used his 13-year-old daughter to help carry out a cocaine transaction in Nassau County.
According to the Nassau County Police Department, 39-year-old Julio Enmanuel Pena allegedly arranged a cocaine sale with a buyer and then instructed his daughter to deliver the drugs and collect payment on his behalf.
Investigators say the incident took place on May 26, when Pena coordinated the deal in Freeport. Authorities allege the teenager was sent to complete the exchange as part of the operation.
Following an investigation, police arrested Pena at his home on Monday afternoon at approximately 12:40 p.m. Officers also recovered multiple bags of a substance believed to be cocaine during the arrest, along with evidence tied to the alleged transaction.
Pena faces several charges, including:
Criminal possession of a controlled substance
Criminal sale of a controlled substance
Conspiracy
Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense
Endangering the welfare of a child
Court records and police statements indicate the case has raised serious concerns due to the involvement of a minor in the alleged drug activity.
Pena is expected to face further proceedings in Nassau County court.
Authorities have not released additional information about the 13-year-old, who is being treated as a victim in the case.