United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOS ANGELES – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today the arrest of four Los Angeles County men, on a seven-count federal indictment alleging they trafficked vast quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and counterfeit fentanyl pills and stored the narcotics at a safehouse in Compton. 

According to the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, as a result of the investigation, agents seized approximately 785 kilograms (1,730 pounds) of methamphetamine, 108 kilograms (238 pounds) of cocaine, 117 kilograms (257 pounds) of powder fentanyl, approximately 360,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, approximately $1,642,371 in drug proceeds, 13 firearms, and seven vehicles.

            The following defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:

• Jesse Lopez-Martinez, 27, a.k.a. “Gordo,” of Long Beach;
• Carlos Mendoza Jr., 32, a.k.a. “Los,” of Compton;
• Hector Merced Parra Jr., 25, of South Gate; and
• Juan Francisco Felix Salazar, 28, a.k.a. “Panchito,” of Whittier

Lopez-Martinez also is charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Mendoza also is charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Parra and Felix also are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

All four defendants were arrested May 28 and pleaded not guilty to the charges at their May 29 arraignment. A July 21 trial date is scheduled in this case. A federal magistrate judge ordered Lopez-Martinez and Mendoza jailed without bond. Parra and Felix were ordered released on bond.

According to the indictment filed on May 22, the defendants used coded language while communicating via Face Time and Snap Chat to conduct their criminal activities. Some of the drug activities were conducted at a local restaurant. 

Lopez-Martinez and Felix negotiated the sale of controlled substances with drug customers. Mendoza stored and safeguarded controlled substances, including methamphetamine, at a residence located on Wilmington Avenue in Compton. Lopez-Martinez arranged the delivery of controlled substances to drug customers. Lopez-Martinez and Mendoza transported methamphetamine. Lopez-Martinez and Felix supplied fentanyl to others, including Parra, for further distribution. Parra received fentanyl on consignment from Felix, for further distribution.

If convicted of all charges, each defendant would face a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Mendoza is not permitted to legally possess a firearm because he was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2012 of a felony drug transportation crime.

Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, said the arrests should put all drug traffickers on notice. “The men and women of DEA will show zero tolerance for drug criminals, who continue to poison and devastate our communities. Collaboration between DEA and law enforcement partners, at all levels, has never been more resolute. We're going to find you, shut down your activities, and ensure you face the full force of the law,” said Allen.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The DEA Los Angeles Field Division’s Strike Force, along with the Vernon Police Department, the Baldwin Park Police Department, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) are investigating this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney JohnPaul LeCedre of the Post-Conviction and Special Litigation Section is prosecuting this case.