Federal Jury Convicts Two North Texas Men In Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy
(FORT WORTH, - Texas - Following a one-day trial before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, a federal jury deliberated 90 minutes yesterday to convict Juan Pasillas, 37, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Antonio Ballesteros 26, of Terrell, Texas, for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
The government presented evidence at trial that included numerous wire intercepts in Spanish, video recordings, and testimony from law enforcement that Pasillas and Ballesteros conspired to traffic large amounts of methamphetamine in the Fort Worth area. They regularly purchased large amounts of methamphetamine for distribution from a supplier in southeast Fort Worth.
Each was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The statutory penalty for that offense is not less than 10 years and up to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is set for December 12, 2016, before Judge O’Connor.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Fahey, Mark Nichols and Shawn Smith are prosecuting.
