United States Drug Enforcement Administration

DALLAS - Eight North Texas residents who were convicted for their respective roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in North Texas and elsewhere have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

On September 18, 2015, Irineo Ramos, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 210 months in federal prison.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Four co-defendants also pleaded guilty to that offense and were sentenced earlier as follows:

            Juan Carlos Cruz, a/k/a Cruzito, 28, 120 months in federal prison

            Carlos Wences Castaneda, a/k/a Chaco, 38, 235 months in federal prison

            Pablo Ramirez Gallegos, a/k/a Primo, 28, 44 months in federal prison

            Ismael Perez, a/k/a Gordo, 26, 41 months in federal prison

Bernardo Rodriguez Martinez, a/k/a Pamo, 27, and Martin Rodriguez Martinez, a/k/a Chivo,  34, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Each was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.

Monica Lemus, 32, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF) investigation involved multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases and the seizure of approximately $77,000 in U.S. currency, 18 firearms, 12 kilograms of Ice, 1.5 gallon liquid Ice, 537.7 grams of heroin and three conversion labs.

Bernardo Rodriguez Martinez and Martin Rodriguez Martinez used individuals to deposit money from the methamphetamine sales into various bank accounts in the U.S.   In fact, from May 3, 2013, to September 9, 2013, approximately $296,321 in drug proceeds was deposited into various accounts in the Dallas area.  Some of the money was sent to Mexico, via wire transfers and couriers, to ensure the supply of methamphetamine continued. 

The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Dallas Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’(ICE) Homeland Security (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.  Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted.