Magnolia Man Sent To Prison For Cocaine Conspiracy
HOUSTON - A 35-year-old Magnolia resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, announced DEA Special Agent-in-Charge of the Houston Division, Joseph M. Arabit and Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Jose Jaime Solis Jr. pleaded guilty Nov. 17, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Solis a sentence of 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
Solis and co-defendant Ramon Sanchez were engaged in a scheme to transport cocaine via bus from Laredo to Houston. In March 2016, agents obtained video footage that showed Solis delivering a suitcase packed with more than 12 kilograms of cocaine to a bus in Laredo that was bound for Houston. Authorities arrived at the bus terminal and seized the bag along with the video. Solis ultimately admitted responsibility for the cocaine discovered in the suitcase.
Sanchez, 26 of Laredo, also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing May 25, 2017.
Both men have been and will remain in custody.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John D. Jocher is prosecuting the case.
