Former Officer Grace Rosa Baez Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

Grace Rosa Baez, a former member of the New York City Police Department ( NYPD ), pled guilty to a drug conspiracy after her arrest in Yonkers.

Baez joined the NYPD in 2012 and found herself embroiled in alleged misconduct in 2020. This led to her placement on modified duty while under departmental investigation. It was during this period that Baez sold substantial quantities of drugs to a confidential source working with law enforcement. She engaged in illegal drug dealings while on duty by setting up sales and delivering narcotics to a confidential source. The sales occurred at her residences in the Bronx and in Yonkers. She had been romantically involved with Cesar Martinez, with whom she was arrested on October 19, 2023 , for attempting to traffic fentanyl , heroin, and cocaine.

Grace Rosa Baez pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, April 16.

The announcement of the plea came from Damian Williams , the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Williams condemned Baez's actions by stating:

Fentanyl and heroin are driving this nation's deadly opioid crisis and are responsible for thousands of tragic deaths in this city and around the nation. Rather than protect and serve the people of New York City, former NYPD officer Grace Rosa Baez peddled deadly poison for personal gain. Today, Baez is held accountable for her selfish and reckless betrayal.

The 38-year-old now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charges. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2024 with Judge Cote presiding.