FAYETTEVILLE — Four men, including two from Mexico, were sentenced to federal prison by U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks for trafficking methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas.
Federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking ring in January 2012 bringing large quantities of methamphetamine into Springdale for distribution. The drug organization had ties throughout Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska and Pennsylvania.
Alejandro Fraire-Martinez, 30, of Springdale was sentenced to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for one count of the distribution of more than five grams of methamphetamine.
Gonzalo Ponce-Hurtado, 59, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced to 210 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Marcelino Pacheco-Huizar, 50, of Mexico was sentenced to 121 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He is expected to be deported upon release.
Gonzalo Romero-Madera, 32, of Mexico was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of illegal re-entry into the U.S. after deportation. He faces deportation upon release.
The men pleaded guilty in April and May 2013.
"With this case, another drug trafficking organization in Western Arkansas is now out of business," U.S. Attorney Conner Eldridge said in a news release. "Those that continually violate the law by participating in this type of criminal activity put our communities at risk and demonstrate a lack of respect for both the criminal justice system and society in general."
The cases were investigated by the Benton County Sheriff's Office, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the cases.
NW News on 03/20/2014