News Release
Date: June 16, 2011
Contact: Melissa Bell
Number: 202-616-4740

Leader of Mexican Drug Organization Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison

Two Co-Defendant in the Drug Conspiracy Also Sentenced

JUN 16 - (GREENBELT, Md.) -- Chief U.S. District Judge Deborah Chasanow sentenced Paulo Rio-Corrales, age 46, of Pomona, California, today to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine, as well as 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Judge Chasanow also sentenced co-defendants Rafael Arceo, age 23, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and German Zamudio, age 34, also of Pomona, to 78 months and 87 months in prison, respectively, each followed by five years of supervised release, for their roles in the conspiracy.

The sentences were announced by Special Agent in Charge Ava Cooper-Davis of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division and United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

“Our local communities are not immune from the poison the Mexican drug cartels bring to the streets of the United States,â€