United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who admitted to selling methamphetamine and heroin was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 40 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 60 months in prison. 

“Our office remains fiercely committed to removing dangerous drug traffickers from our communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This sentence sends a clear, definitive message that individuals who profit from fueling addiction in Nevada will be held fully accountable under federal law.”

“While methamphetamine remains one of the deadliest drugs, heroin has not gone away,” said David S. Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “These two highly destructive drugs threaten the health and safety of our community. The DEA stands united with our law enforcement partners in pursuing drug traffickers whose poison brings harm to Americans. Today’s sentencing proves that no drug criminal—regardless of their role in the supply chain—is above the law.”

Between August 2024, and October 3, 2024, Juan Carlos Barrera-Cortez, also known as “Rafael,” and co-conspirators Jesus Lomeli-Lopez and Eduardo Perez were part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in Las Vegas. As part of the drug conspiracy, Lomeli-Lopez would accept the drug orders by phone from customers, and he and Barrera-Cortez would then meet with the customers to sell the methamphetamine and heroin. Perez would provide Barrera-Cortez and Lomeli-Lopez with the drugs to sell the customers. Over the course of the conspiracy, Barrera-Cortez distributed approximately 3.4 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately 8.951 grams of heroin. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, and Heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance

Barrera-Cortez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Lomeli-Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Perez is awaiting a jury trial set to begin on January 25, 2027.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge David Olesky for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Nevada, made the announcement.

The DEA investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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