United States of America v. Ron Christopher Spear-Zuleta, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Maritz Torres

New Haven, CT - Three Individuals Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug-Related Robbery



RON CHRISTOPHER SPEAR-ZULETA, also known as “Chris,” 46, of Woodbridge; ANINHA SPEAR-ZULETA, 32, of Woodbridge, and MARITZA TORRES, also known as “Lisy,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in New Haven to offenses stemming from a drug-related robbery.



According to court documents and statements made in court, Chris Spear-Zuleta, his wife, Aninha Spear-Zuleta, and Torres robbed an associate of Chris Spear-Zuleta, who Chris Spear-Zuleta claimed owed him money in relation to narcotics transactions. On November 28, 2017, Aninha Spear-Zuleta lured the associate’s girlfriend to the Spear-Zuleta’s Woodbridge residence, where Chris Spear-Zuleta physically assaulted the girlfriend. At Chris Spear-Zuleta’s instruction, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres then transported the girlfriend to a residence she shared with the associate in Milford, where Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres stole several items, including cash, a firearm and several items of expensive clothing.



Chris Spear-Zuleta and Aninha Spear-Zuleta each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. They are scheduled to be sentenced on December 4 and December 6, respectively



Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.



Chris Spear-Zuleta has been detained since his arrest on December 22, 2018. Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres are released on bond pending sentencing.



This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbridge Police Department.

Charges:

INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE BY THREAT OR VIOLENCE: Interfering with Commerce by Robbery

(1)

INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE BY THREAT OR VIOLENCE: Interference with Commerce by Robbery.

(1s)

INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE BY THREAT OR VIOLENCE: Interference with Commerce by Robbery

(1ss)

KIDNAPPING

(2)

KIDNAPPING

(2s)

KIDNAPPING

(2ss-3ss)

CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE UNITED STATES: Conspiracy.

(3s)

CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE UNITED STATES: Conspiracy

(4ss)

NOTICE OF E-FILED CALENDAR as to Ronald Christopher Spear-Zuleta: THIS IS THE ONLY NOTICE COUNSEL/THE PARTIES WILL RECEIVE. ALL PERSONS ENTERING THE COURTHOUSE MUST PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION. Change of Plea Hearing set for 9/11/2019 02:30 PM in Courtroom One, 141 Church St., New Haven, CT before Judge Janet C. Hall. (Lewis, D) (Entered: 09/10/2019)