New York Post reported that four people were arrested in connection with a Manhattan-to-Staten Island drug ring conspiracy, with the arrests coming after a six-month wiretap investigation.
Shanta Sawyer, 44, was identified as the alleged ringleader of the conspiracy. Three additional individuals were charged alongside Sawyer. Sophia Abinacer, 37, was charged as a co-conspirator in the operation. Michael Giordano, 35, was also charged in the drug conspiracy. Philip Pietrunti, 60, who is a retired detective, was similarly charged in the conspiracy.
The investigation and subsequent arrests led authorities to a Washington Heights residence. At that Washington Heights residence, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and heroin were found. Furthermore, at least thirteen unlicensed firearms were recovered specifically from the Pietrunti home. Records note that Philip Pietrunti was previously arrested in 2015.
Following these arrests, bail determinations were made for all four individuals. Shanta Sawyer bail was set at $250,000. Philip Pietrunti was held on $100,000 bail. In contrast, Sophia Abinacer and Michael Giordano were released without bail.
During the course of the reporting, Philip Pietrunti told New York Post, "You can’t wait until you get off from work?" In response to that remark, Shanta Sawyer told New York Post, "No, because I’m selling to someone at work,"
