NJ Mom and Son Sentenced For Heroin Sales

A northern New Jersey mother has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin with her husband and son in what authorities are calling "a family affair."

The state attorney general says 55-year-old Lydia Cruz of Lodi was sentenced Friday in Bergen County. She must serve at least 18 months before being eligible for parole.

Her son, 31-year-old Irving Sanchez Jr. of Ridgefield Park, was also sentenced Friday to five years on conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Cruz's husband, 52-year-old William Diaz is scheduled to be sentenced May 17.

An investigation found Diaz and Cruz traveled to Manhattan to sell the heroin. Cruz primarily packaged bundles and bricks for all three to distribute.

The three were arrested in 2011 and authorities seized close to $400,000.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)