Two Ordered To Federal Prison In Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Two men have been ordered to federal prison following their roles in a large-scale drug-trafficking conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Guillermo Herrera, 55, and Hector Alberto Burton aka Hector Alberto Camacho, 41, were found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation on Feb. 11, 2015. Both were found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and aiding and abetting each other to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana on Jan. 22, 2013.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head, who presided over the trial, handed both men sentences of 87 months in federal prison. Both will also serve five years of supervised release following completion of their prison terms. At the hearing today, additional argument was presented including that Burton changed his name after speaking to law enforcement in 2013 and that Herrera has been continuously involved in criminal conduct since his 20s. Also, Judge Head ordered Herrera be deported to Cuba if U.S./Cuba relations are ever re-established. In handing down the sentence, Judge Head noted that this was a significant conspiracy involving a sophisticated organization.
Herrera, of Edinburg, and Burton, of Commiskey, Ind., were arrested in 2014 on charges relating to their participation in a South Texas drug-trafficking organization. At trial, the government presented evidence regarding the seizure of more than 500 pounds of marijuana. Evidence showed that Burton orchestrated the transportation of the marijuana from another state and Herrera was hired to drive the load.
Previously released on bond, Burton was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Herrera has been and will remain in custody.
The investigation leading to the criminal charges was conducted in Corpus Christi lead by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, Aransas Pass Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and the Kingsville Specialized Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie K. Hampton is prosecuting the case.
