Convict Who Went Back To Meth Trafficking In Laredo When On Supervised Release Gets Nearly 20 Years
LAREDO, Texas - A 41-year-old man from Laredo, has been ordered to prison following his conviction of the conspiracy possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Esequiel Villarreal pleaded guilty Dec. 15, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Villarreal to serve a 210-month-term of imprisonment. Villarreal committed the current offense while on supervised release from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction in 2000 where he was sentenced to 188 months. Due to the revocation of his supervised release, he will also serve an additional consecutive six months of imprisonment in addition to the current term imposed.
Villarreal came to the attention of law enforcement after learning he was in possession of a large amount of drugs and a possible firearm.
On Oct. 21, 2016, authorities conducted a search of Villarreal’s apartment. At that time, they discovered 9.5 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a black plastic bag within his kitchen as well as a .22 caliber pistol in a cabinet above the refrigerator. He was also found to have 3.2 grams of cocaine on his body.
Villarreal has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
