Four Indicted for Cyberstalking, Kidnapping, and Murder After Brutal Execution in Bronx Shopping Center Parking Lot

Federal prosecutors have charged four individuals in connection with the cyberstalking, kidnapping, and murder of a man in the parking lot of a Bronx shopping center. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced that a superseding indictment was unsealed in Manhattan federal court, detailing charges against Ivan Collado, Patricia Villalba (also known as “Patty” or “Sweetz”), Arecio Collado, and Jerry Vargas (also known as “Peligro”).

The defendants are accused of orchestrating the murder of Raymond Resto, known as “Sugar Hill Tone,” on November 26, 2023. According to authorities, the crime stemmed from a drug-related dispute.

Court documents allege that the defendants were involved in a narcotics conspiracy, supplying large quantities of cocaine in New York City. When a drug dealer working with Resto failed to repay a debt, prosecutors claim the defendants engaged in harassment and intimidation efforts to collect payment and track Resto’s whereabouts.

Authorities allege that the defendants used a GPS tracking device to monitor Resto’s movements. On the day of the murder, Resto was in the parking lot of the Throggs Neck Shopping Center with his wife when a BMW blocked their vehicle. Three armed individuals attempted to force Resto into the car, and during the struggle, he was shot multiple times. He later died at a local hospital at the age of 49.

Following the murder, investigators say the defendants continued to intimidate and harass individuals connected to the case.

Ivan Collado was previously arrested in February and charged with kidnapping conspiracy and attempted kidnapping resulting in death. The remaining three defendants were taken into custody on February 5 and are scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

The charges against the defendants include conspiracy to distribute narcotics, cyberstalking resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and murder through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they could face life in prison or, in some cases, the death penalty.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New York Division, the NYPD, and the New York State Police. Prosecutors are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office.