Attempted Crystal Meth Distribution Results In Significant Sentences
McALLEN, Texas - Gelacio Cendejas-Renteria, 44, of Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico, and Julian Martinez-Rodriguez, 44, of McAllen, have been ordered to federal prison for their respective involvement in the distribution of crystal methamphetamine from McAllen to Houston, announced Javier Peña, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement (DEA) along with United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Cendejas-Renteria to life in prison. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted Cendejas-Renteria’s role in the transaction as well as utilization of his residence to store the narcotics and involving the assistant of a minor in the drug negotiations.
Taking into consideration his role in the case as well as his prior criminal history, Judge Crane sentenced Martinez-Rodriguez to 360 months in federal prison today. He will also face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
On Jan. 17, 2013, Cendejas-Renteria met with an undercover agent and negotiated the transportation of crystal methamphetamine from McAllen to Houston. On Feb. 1, 2013, Cendejas-Renteria met with the agent and provided him money to cover the cost of transporting the narcotics to Houston. On the same date, Cendejas-Renteria provided the agent the keys to a motor vehicle containing the narcotics. The agent then obtained the vehicle and, while traveling to another location, was followed by Martinez-Rodriguez. The vehicle was determined to have 10 bricks of crystal methamphetamine with a gross weight of 12 kilograms. A subsequent search at the residence of Cendejas-Renteria and Martinez-Rodriguez lead to the discovery of an additional 20 bricks of crystal methamphetamine with a gross weight of 22 kilograms and an additional 29 bundles of marijuana with a gross weight of 272 kilograms.
Cendejas-Renteria pleaded guilty on March 25, 2013, while Martinez-Rodriguez pleaded guilty on May 3, 2013.
Both men will remain in custody.
The investigation was conducted by DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Alanis.
