An enforcer for one of Camden's biggest drug kingpins was convicted this afternoon of murder and narcotics charges tied to the operation of a multi-million dollar cocaine distribution network.
A federal court jury deliberated for nearly eight days before finding Juan "Two-Face" Rivera-Velez, 35, guilty of the murder of Miguel Batista in 1996 and the attempted murder of Rafael Colon-Rodriguez seven years later.
During the six-week trial in federal court in Camden, Rivera-Velez was described as a hitman for Raymond Morales who authorities said controlled a high level cocaine network in Camden between 1992 and 2004.
Morales, who became a cooperating witness in 2004, testified for the prosecution.
He said he ordered the murder of Batista, a drug rival, and later told Rivera-Velez to shoot Colon-Rodriguez because he was a potential witness in the Batista hit.
Colon-Rodriguez was shot, but survived.
Rivera-Velez, known as Two Face because his face was disfigured in an automobile accident, showed no emotion as the jury announced its verdict.
He faces a potential life sentence.
Judge Joseph Irenas has not set a sentencing date.
Contact staff writer George Anastasia at 856-779-3846
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