Mexican sentenced in meth conspiracy

staff reports • Argus Leader • March 8, 2008

A Mexican national found guilty of a drug conspiracy in December was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Piersol to 12 years in prison and five years probation.

Efrain Cornelio Gonzalez, 31, will be deported upon his release from prison.

According to U.S. Attorney Marty Jackley, Gonzalez distributed methamphetamine to others in the Sioux Falls area who in turn distributed it to their customers.

After an investigation by Sioux Falls police and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Gonzalez was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in July.

He was found guilty after a two-day trial Dec. 12. The jury found the conspiracy involved more than 8 kilograms of the drug.