DOWNTOWN — Julian Gonzalez was sentenced for attempted obstruction of justice in Brooklyn federal court on April 30, 2026.
During an investigation into Gonzalez for drug trafficking and distribution of cocaine throughout New York City, the FBI obtained a judicially authorized warrant to seize and search his cell phone for evidence of criminal activity.
On March 17, 2023, Gonzalez arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, aboard an international flight. Shortly after he landed, FBI agents met Gonzalez, identified themselves and provided him with the search warrant for his phone.
Gonzalez reluctantly unlocked his phone and gave it to the agents. The agents then began looking through the phone and photographing Signal messages that appeared to relate to drug trafficking, including the sale of one kilogram of cocaine for approximately $20,000.
While the agents were conducting their preliminary search, Gonzalez asked to use the phone to call his wife. Gonzalez promptly slammed the phone on the ground, causing significant damage.
U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz II gave Gonzalez, who was convicted following a one-week jury trial in October 2024, 57 months of prison time.
The government’s case is being handled by the General Crimes Section of the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Nadya Osman.
