Last Defendant in Texas Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana Ring Sentenced

LUBBOCK, Texas — In a pivotal move against a notorious drug syndicate, Victor Manuel Castillo, 44, alias ‘Victor Manuel Garza,’ has been handed down an 188-month federal prison sentence. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas after Castillo’s conviction for his involvement in a methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana distribution conspiracy.

Castillo pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine in January 2017. He has remained in custody since his arrest in June 2016, a month after he was nabbed by DEA special agents along with twelve other West Texas residents, including three members of the Texas Syndicate.

This high-profile bust involved collaboration between the DEA and the Texas Department of Public Safety, with support from various law enforcement agencies including local police departments and the U.S. Marshals Service. All defendants were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy:

• Cruz Perez, alias ‘Travieso,’ 41, received 327 months.
• Christopher Lee Gonzalez, alias ‘Gonzo,’ 44, was sentenced to 327 months.
• Evan Cruz Parson, alias ‘Evan,’ 22, received 168 months.
• Jose Gutierrez, III, alias ‘Baby Joey,’ 22, got 151 months.
• Christopher David Gonzales, alias ‘Chris,’ 42, was sentenced to 121 months.
• Jasmine Pillar Hernandez, alias ‘Crazy,’ 33, received 120 months.
• Alexander Alfonzo Mendoza, alias ‘Alex,’ 21, got 48 months.
• Robert Diaz, Jr., alias ‘Bobby,’ 34, was sentenced to 48 months.
• Adrian Rodriguez, 38, also received 48 months.
• Johnny Trevino, Jr., alias ‘Baby John,’ 27, got 48 months.
• Crystal Dimas, alias ‘Babe,’ 29, was sentenced to 33 months.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the DEA led the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juanita Fielden and Sean Long prosecuted the case.

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