3 defendants in 'Operation Blue Shame' plead guilty to drug trafficking charges

by CBS 4 News on 03/02/2017

Three people indicted in a public corruption case called "Operation Blue Shame" have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Maritssa Salinas of Mission, ,Noe Arnoldo Moczygembaof Houston and former Harris County Deputy Constable Juan Ignacio Leal of Houston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, according to federal court records.

Salinas pleaded guilty on March 24. She's scheduled for sentencing on June 9.

Leal and Moczygemba pleaded guilty on March 28. They're scheduled for sentencing on June 13.

In exchange for cooperation, prosecutors will recommend lighter prison sentences.

Charges against a dozen other people — including U.S. Border Patrol Agent Daniel Polanco of Edinburg and former Edinburg police Officer Hector Beltran — remain pending.

As CBS 4 News previously reported:
Polanco worked with a drug trafficker named Dimas De Leon, who stole cocaine from suppliers, according to the indictment against him and transcripts of court hearings. The drug trafficking organization covered up the thefts by bribing corrupt cops to fake drug busts.
They face 10 years to life in federal prison.http://valleycentral.com/news/local/...icking-charges