OTSEGO COUNTY, N.Y. -- A man referred to by authorities as a "drug kingpin" has been arraigned in Otsego County Court.

Jose "Flip" Rodriguez, 29, was transported from a Romulus prison for the arraignment Friday on drug sale and possession charges, along with fourth degree conspiracy.

Authorities arrested Rodriguez and his girlfriend, Jamele Baez, 21, following a year-long investigation into the sale of heroin in the county.

According to the sheriff's office, Rodriguez ran his drug trafficking organization while behind bars at the Otsego County Correctional Facility.

Baez pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance back in May. She's now serving a five year sentence.

Rodriguez faces up to 15 years to life in prison due to felony drug convictions in 2007 and 2011.

Authorities say their investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.