April 08, 2009

HEFTY SENTENCES FOR MODESTO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

FRESNO, Calif.—Acting United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown, announced today that United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced JUAN LUIS ALEMAN, 27, and JOSE EFRAIN RANGEL-GARCIA, 26, both illegal aliens from Mexico to 12 and 11 years in prison respectively for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Modesto Police Department Narcotic Enforcement Team.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar, who prosecuted this case, ALEMAN, RANGEL-GARCIA, and co-defendants JESUS GONZALEZ PEREZ, 41, of Rio Linda, Calif., and ALBERTO PEREZ, 32, of Sacramento, were arrested on January 3, 2007, at Lowes parking lot in Modesto after delivering 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine wrapped as a Christmas present to a confidential informant. The delivery followed negotiations with the confidential informant for the purchase of 20 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. According to DEA, Mexico is currently the primary source of methamphetamine in U.S. markets.

Both ALEMAN and RANGEL-GARCIA pleaded guilty on March 10, 2008 and are subject to deportation after they serve their prison sentence.

Federal drug charges are still pending as to JESUS and ALBERTO PEREZ, who are next scheduled to appear before Judge Ishii on May 4, 2009.

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For more information on federal criminal defense law, contact the Law Offices of Joseph Shemaria of Los Angeles, California.