Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Cocaine Conspiracy
135 kilograms of marijuana, 55 kilograms of cocaine, and eight kilograms of heroin seized on July 19, 2009 from this organization
PHOENIX, AZ. - DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman and U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Dennis K. Burke, announced that Juan Enrique Rodriquez of Tolleson, Ariz., was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg to 10 years in prison and 60 months supervised release. Rodriquez, 38, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2011, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Five Kilograms or More of Cocaine.
“This sentencing sends a clear message to drug traffickers that their actions have serious consequences,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge, Doug Coleman. “DEA and our law enforcement partners are successfully striking back at drug traffickers who have chosen to use Arizona as a venue for their illegal drug trade. Our communities are benefitting today from our collaborative efforts, dedication and hard work.
“Many people hope to avoid responsibility under the law for their role in drug conspiracies by acting as the middle-man,” said U.S. Attorney Dennis K. Burke. “This case exemplifies that those who connect drug suppliers with drug distributers will be also punished.”
Rodriguez worked for a distribution network that transported drugs for Mexican-based traffickers to distributors in other states. Rodriquez helped obtain cocaine for the organization and temporarily stored bulk drugs at his home before the organization shipped them out of Arizona. On August 9, 2009, New Mexico State Police stopped two truck drivers who were co-conspirators and seized 20 kilograms of cocaine. Evidence showed that Rodriquez had obtained 14 kilograms of the 20 kilograms of cocaine for delivery by the organization. Law enforcement later seized $1.17 million from the same organization. Law enforcement had previously seized 135 kilograms of marijuana, 55 kilograms of cocaine, and eight kilograms of heroin on July 19, 2009 from this same organization.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Scottsdale Police Department and Arizona DPS. The prosecution was handled by Brian G. Larson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
