Thread: TX: 2 Illegal Immigrants Sentenced In Large Drug Conspiracy

2 Illegal Immigrants Sentenced In Large Drug Conspiracy
By CASEY KNAUPP
Staff Writer

Two illegal immigrants living in Tyler were sentenced Wednesday for their involvement in a large drug conspiracy.

Maria Trinidad Lopez-Brawnt, also known as "Coco," 34, was sentenced to seven years and three months after she pleaded guilty to conspiring with Juan Camacho Calderon, 41, to possess and distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of cocaine.

U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider ordered her to pay $1 million in cash proceeds and surrender to immigration officials for deportation proceedings when she's released.

Through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, Ms. Lopez apologized to the judge and others involved in the case. She gave a lengthy speech about her good childhood, attending college and being an accountant in Mexico, losing her husband and finding a new man she said she considers her husband.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst said she made a fatal mistake falling in love with Calderon, the leader of the drug organization, and became involved in the drug trafficking.

Calderon has pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

On Oct. 11, 2007, Calderon told Ms. Lopez he thought someone was following him and told her to gather a kilogram of cocaine, a rifle, ammunition and about $27,400 from his ranch, at 10570 Farm-to-Market Road 14, and hide them, court documents state. Also located at his ranch were two shotguns, two rifles, a revolver and more than 240 rounds of ammunitions.

Ms. Lopez was represented by Natalie Fletcher.

Andres Sosa Saucedo, a.k.a. "Llantas,"38, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 500 grams of meth, 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,000 marijuana plants, beginning in 2004.

He admitted he sold 57 grams of cocaine at his business, Andrew's Used Tires, 6164 Reynolds Road in Tyler.

Saucedo said two shotguns found on his property were never in his business, which was near his house, and where he sold drugs. He said one firearm given to him in payment for a wheel was broken while the other gun was kept at his chicken coop to scare away dogs.

Saucedo used an interpreter and told the judge lengthy details of his life. He said he came to Tyler from Mexico 10 years ago with nothing but the clothes he had on and eventually built his tire business. He said he regretted what he did mostly because he failed his family and asked the judge to forgive him.

Hurst said Saucedo made bad decisions when he got to Tyler and became involved in the drug-trafficking organization with Calderon and other people.

Schneider recommended he undergo drug treatment and turn himself over to immigration officials for deportation proceedings.

Saucedo had a telephone conversation with Calderon in which Calderon asked him to find customers who would buy larger amounts of cocaine, but he found none. Saucedo said Calderon talked about horses and colts, but he knew colts referred to cocaine, documents show.

Jorge Martinez Esquivel, 31, was also scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday but the hearing was postponed.

In a 37-count indictment, 21 people were charged for the years-long conspiracy. They allegedly obtained meth and cocaine from multiple sources and grew marijuana to sell. They also allegedly used firearms to protect the drug business and sold weapons.

Several law enforcement agencies began investigating the meth ring in 2005. Dubbed "Operation Thin Ice." The government is seeking forfeiture of cash, guns and six properties.
http://www.tylerpaper.com/article/20081 ... /810020347

Through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, Ms. Lopez apologized to the judge and others involved in the case. She gave a lengthy speech about her good childhood, attending college and being an accountant in Mexico, losing her husband and finding a new man she said she considers her husband.

And still did not learn the language. Dispicable!!