United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Tallahassee, Fla. – Maria Ysabel Mendoza, 34, of Ontario, California, and Daniel Lomeli Hernandez, 32, of Las Vegas, Nevada, were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and unlawful use of a communications facility. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “For too long, deadly drugs, like fentanyl, freely flowed across our Southern border and flooded our streets, devastating our communities with addiction, death, and despair. But, thanks to close partnerships between our state and federal law enforcement, we are striking back against those drug traffickers and dismantling their networks. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute every criminal engaged in the drug trade in my district to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.”

According to court records, between March 2024 and April 2024, a co-conspirator in Mexico agreed to deliver more than 400 grams of fentanyl (pills) from California to an undercover law enforcement officer in Florida. 

Once the fentanyl was delivered in Florida, the co-conspirator in Mexico directed Mendoza to collect payment. Mendoza’s partner, Hernandez, agreed to accompany Mendoza for the purpose of collecting the drug money. Mendoza and Hernandez traveled from Mexico to Florida and met with the undercover officer. During the meeting, Mendoza accepted payment for the fentanyl shipment and made statements regarding her knowledge of the fentanyl conspiracy. After collecting the money, Mendoza and Hernandez attempted to wire funds back to Mexico. Mendoza and Hernandez were arrested a few days later. Evidence located on a cell phone used by Mendoza and Hernadez corroborated their active participation in the conspiracy.

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, the United States Department of State, Panama City Police Department, and Panama City Beach Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph A. Ravelo and Walter Narramore.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.