Man Sentenced To 10 Years On Methamphetamine Charge
MADISON, Wis. - Jack Riley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pedro Flores Cruz, 53, Huntington Park, Calif., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 10 years in prison, for attempting to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Flores Cruz pleaded guilty to this crime on April 11, 2013.
According to court documents, in October 2012, a cooperating (CS) took possession of approximately 48 pounds of methamphetamine in Chicago, in a controlled delivery. The methamphetamine was 99% pure and had a street value of $800,000 to $1 million. At the time of the delivery, the source told the CS to hold on to the drugs until contacted.
During the week of November 12, 2012, Flores Cruz contacted the CS to pick up the methamphetamine. Arrangements were made for the CS and Flores Cruz to meet in Madison where the two would trade vehicles and Flores Cruz would leave in the CS’ car, which contained the drugs.
On November 19, 2012, an undercover officer drove to Madison with 48 pounds of rock candy in his vehicle, packaged to look like methamphetamine. The officer met Flores Cruz at the East Towne Mall. They got out of their vehicles and the officer showed Flores Cruz the fake drugs. Flores Cruz then started to get into the officer’s vehicle to drive away, at which time he was arrested.
The charges against Flores Cruz were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and David Reinhard.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
