Source: United States Attorneys General
Headline: Young Local Man Sentenced for Trafficking Nearly Five Kilograms of Meth
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21 year old Brownsville resident has been ordered to federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Ernesto Alonso Valdez pleaded guilty Aug. 31, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen sentenced Valdez to a total of 132 months imprisonment to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanen stated “So take this to heart. Try to turn this into a positive. You have one advantage that you are young.”
On Nov. 24, 2016, Ernesto Alonso Valdez arrived at the Gateway port of entry in Brownsville driving a Chevrolet HHR. At the time, he claimed to be en route to visit his girlfriend at the hospital. However, agents soon discovered 4.28 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in the back seats and rear bumper of the vehicle. A small quantity of narcotics was also found in his shoe during a personal search. Valdez admitted knowing the personal use in his shoe was cocaine or methamphetamine.
Valdez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.