United States Drug Enforcement Administration

McALLEN, Texas – A 56-year-old man who illegally resided in Mission has been ordered to federal prison for his role in conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 32 kilograms of cocaine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Rogelio Alberto Velasco pleaded guilty June 3.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Velasco to 70 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Velasco received his law degree in 1995 and worked for the attorney general of the Republic in Mexico for nearly 30 years. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Velasco was educated and knew the consequences of his actions yet still engaged in drug trafficking.  

On Jan. 27, Velasco provided a kilogram of cocaine to undercover authorities as a sample of the product he had available for purchase. The next day, undercover authorities again meet with Velasco to buy an additional two kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at his residence in Mission that resulted in the discovery of an additional 29 kilograms of cocaine. Additional search warrants of Velasco’s telephones revealed he was in direct communication with the source of supply.  

The cocaine has an estimated street value of $800,000.

Velasco will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.