Belarmino Sierra-Mata, Meth Possession, Indiana 2024

A 47-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in intercepting and selling nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Belarmino Sierra-Mata, 47, of Indianapolis, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker after pleading guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine and reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2024, Sierra-Mata drove to his girlfriend’s home in Indianapolis to retrieve a package that had been shipped from California. The package contained approximately 1.8 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, which he then delivered to another individual in exchange for $300 from the original supplier.

During an interview with law enforcement agents, Sierra-Mata stated that his source of supply was an individual in Mexico and that this was his second time accepting a package containing controlled substances for payment.

Further investigation revealed that Sierra-Mata is an illegal alien who was formally removed from the United States on January 11, 2019, and knowingly reentered the country without obtaining proper documentation.

Homeland Security Investigations and Indiana State Police investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Caraballo-Colon and former AUSA Jordan Oliver prosecuting the case.

Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress praised the efforts of the investigation team and the prosecutors, stating, ‘Criminal aliens that habitually cross into our country illegally and endanger our communities must face consequences.’

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent crime.

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