PITTSBURGH Calif. man admits drug law violations

Trooper Richard Houk has won statewide recognition for his drug arrests.
PITTSBURGH -- A California man arrested on Interstate 80 in Mercer County last year has pleaded guilty to violating federal drug laws.
Edward F. Caraballo, also known as Jorge A. Aldama, 26, of North Hollywood, Calif., entered his plea Monday before Maurice B. Cohill, senior United States district judge.
Caraballo was the driver of a minivan stopped for speeding Aug. 25, 2002, by Pennsylvania State Trooper Richard Houk as it traveled east on I-80.
Trooper's suspicions
Houk, who has won statewide recognition for his success in nabbing drug traffickers on the interstate, said he was suspicious of the van immediately when Caraballo claimed he had been shot in the leg in California but was headed for New York to get additional medical treatment.
Houk looked over the outside and undercarriage of the van and thought he detected a hidden compartment beneath the rear of the vehicle.
He arrested Caraballo, called in a state police canine unit and got a search warrant for the minivan.
He located the electronically controlled hidden compartment and seized 44 pounds of cocaine with a street value of at least $400,000.
Made admission
Troy Rivetti, assistant United States attorney, said Caraballo later admitted he was transporting the cocaine to distribute in the greater New York City area.
He also said Caraballo had always identified himself as Edward F. Caraballo but during Monday's hearing he said his real name is Jorge A. Aldama.
Caraballo faces sentencing Jan. 13 and is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison, but he could get a life sentence and a fine of up to $4 million.