News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2010
Contact: Special Agent Roberto Bryan
Number: (504) 840-1360

Marrero Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

MAY 18 -- NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - LESTER GONZALEZ-MARQUEZ, age 37, an illegal alien residing in Marrero, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U. S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to two counts of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to court records, on March 11, 2010, GONZALEZ-MARQUEZ, along with co-defendants Antonio Ortiz, Javier Gamboa, and Arcesio Vanegas, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin; interstate transportation of drug proceeds; and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking conspiracy. According to the factual basis, GONZALEZ- MARQUEZ admitted that he was a distributor of heroin in the New Orleans Metropolitan area and obtained heroin from Vanegas and Gamboa who resided in Texas. Using hidden compartments in vehicles, couriers would transport heroin shipments to GONZALEZ-MARQUEZ and deliver the drug proceeds back to Texas.

GONZALEZ-MARQUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2010, and faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a possible maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $4 million, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight.