News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2006
Contact: Davilyn Brackin
Public Information Officer
(409) 839-2538 office
(409) 553-9881 cell

Dallas Man Guilty Of Supplying Deadly Heroin To Plano Teen

NOV 6 -- (Sherman, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 23-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in the Eastern District of Texas.

MAURO ESTRADA admitted to supplying the heroin in connection with the death of a 19-year-old Plano woman. Estrada entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin today before United States Magistrate Judge Don Bush.

According to information presented in court, Estrada was supplying various amounts of heroin to James Douglas Ward for resale in the Carrolton area. On February 2, 2006, Ward sold heroin to a young woman who died early the next day.

Ward and Estrada each face up to life in federal prison for their role in this death. A sentencing date has not been set.

Roy Steven Marquez, 22, the cousin of Estrada, has also pleaded guilty to the distribution of more than 100 grams of heroin for his role in the conspiracy. Marquez faces up to 40 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

The case is being investigated by the Plano Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the Dallas Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Batson.

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