Three Men Sentenced For Cocaine Distribution
Defendants Receive More Than 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking
TUCSON, AZ. - Federal District Judge David C. Bury sentenced David Alejo-Martinez, Victor Manuel Bermudez-Chavez, and Abelardo Grajeda-Encinas each to 188 months imprisonment following their convictions at trial on May 13, 2010 for conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms of cocaine and for distribution of cocaine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tucson office conducted an undercover operation between February 23, 2009, and April 21, 2009 which culminated in the arrest of six suspected drug traffickers. Their arrests came after agents seized 140 grams of cocaine while executing a search warrant of a Tucson residence. Agents also found an assault rifle, a handgun, ammunition and a bulletproof vest during the search. Two of the suspects pleaded guilty and were sentenced in April 2010. A third suspect, Ernest Sanchez, was acquitted at the same trial in which David Alejo-Martinez, Victor Manuel Bermudez-Chavez, and Abelardo Grajeda-Encinas were convicted.
The investigation in this case was conducted by DEA’s Tucson Office. The prosecution was handled by David Kern, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
