8 defendants sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for their roles in North Texas methamphetamine distribution conspiracy

DALLAS — Eight North Texas residents, who were convicted for their respective roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in North Texas and elsewhere, have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms.

These sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas. The following agencies investigated this case:  FBI, Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Dallas Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Irineo Ramos, 32, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 210 months in federal prison.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The following four co-defendants also pleaded guilty to that offense and were sentenced to federal prison:

• Juan Carlos Cruz, aka Cruzito, 28, 120 months;
• Carlos Wences Castaneda, aka Chaco, 38, 235 months;
• Pablo Ramirez Gallegos, aka Primo, 28, 44 months; and
• Ismael Perez, aka Gordo, 26, 41 months.

Bernardo Rodriguez Martinez, aka Pamo, 27, and Martin Rodriguez Martinez, aka Chivo, 34, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Each was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.

Monica Lemus, 32, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation involved multiple undercover methamphetamine purchases and the seizure of about $77,000 in U.S. currency, 18 firearms, 12 kilograms of Ice, 1.5 gallon liquid Ice, 537.7 grams of heroin and three conversion labs.

Bernardo Rodriguez Martinez and Martin Rodriguez Martinez used individuals to deposit money from the methamphetamine sales into various bank accounts in the U.S.  In fact, from May 3, 2013, to Sept. 9, 2013, $296,321 in drug proceeds was deposited into various accounts in the Dallas area.  Some of the money was sent to Mexico via wire transfers and couriers, to ensure the supply of methamphetamine continued.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal, Northern District of Texas, prosecuted this case.