Brisa Ortiz, Misprision of a Felony, Louisiana 2024

Convicted Drug Courier Faces 21 Months in Prison

A Texas woman has been sentenced for her role in a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation after she concealed her brother's involvement in the crime. Brisa Ortiz, a 19-year-old resident of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced to 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry on October 22, 2024.

The charges against Ortiz stem from a traffic stop in Louisiana, where she and her brother were found with approximately ten kilograms of cocaine hidden in secret compartments throughout their vehicle. The Louisiana State Police pulled them over on a traffic violation and conducted a search of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of the narcotics.

According to court documents, Ortiz was aware of her brother's involvement in the conspiracy to distribute cocaine across the country but did not notify law enforcement authorities. Her actions led to her conviction on a charge of Misprision of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4.

The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit prosecuted the case.

As part of her sentence, Ortiz will also serve a one-year term of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Her imprisonment and supervision will provide a measure of justice for the community affected by the cocaine trafficking operation.

Defendant's Information:

Defendant: Brisa Ortiz

Charges: Misprision of a Felony (Title 18, United States Code, Section 4)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment, one-year supervised release, $100 special assessment fee

Date: October 22, 2024

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/texas-drug-courier-sentenced-federal-narcotics-trafficking