Christian Lugo, 37, of the Bronx, NY, has been charged with racketeering conspiracy and murder in connection with his leadership of a Bronx-based tow truck and auto repair company, Certified Auto, that allegedly used violence and fraud to dominate its competitors, in a federal indictment unsealed Oct. 22.
Lugo, also known as “Coco,” allegedly caused the 2022 shooting death of Gloria Ortiz.
According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Lugo ran Certified Auto by “engaging in rampant fraud and serious acts of violence,” and his rivalry with other tow truck companies led him to order the fatal shooting.
The incident took place Feb. 7, 2022, when Lugo directed a co-conspirator to shoot at members of a competing tow truck company. Ortiz was killed, and two others were injured in the attack.
The FBI's New York Field Office, which assisted in the investigation, emphasized that violent crime was integral to the operation of Lugo's business. "His callous actions directly led to the 2022 murder of Gloria Ortiz as well as additional crimes and fraud," said FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy.
Lugo now faces multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, alongside firearms offenses that could result in life imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by the Violent & Organized Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herman, Andrew Jones and Ni Qian leading the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
