Celia Raquel Zuniga, Marijuana Trafficking, Texas 2012

Celia Raquel Zuniga, 45, Convicted of Marijuana Trafficking in Texas

A federal jury in McAllen, Texas, has convicted Celia Raquel Zuniga, 45, of Rio Grande City, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Zuniga was found guilty following a two-day trial and approximately two hours of deliberations. The conviction is the result of a thorough investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Starr County Sheriff’s Office.

During the trial, Starr County sheriff’s deputies testified that on Dec. 6, 2012, they observed three vehicles driving in tandem going east on Expressway 83 near the Starr County and Hidalgo County line. They then observed the middle vehicle change lanes without signaling. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and identified Zuniga as the driver.

Zuniga initially lied to deputies and denied there was anything illegal in her vehicle. However, after stepping out of her vehicle and when asked a second time, Zuniga admitted there was something illegal inside. Deputies then recovered 24 bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 243 kilograms within the car.

Zuniga testified in her defense that she had been kidnapped by multiple men while she was driving to a friend’s house. She claimed they took her to a cemetery while bundles of marijuana were loaded into her vehicle. She further testified they told her she would need to drive the vehicle to McAllen or else something would happen to her family.

However, the jury was not convinced of Zuniga’s claim of duress and ultimately found her guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has set sentencing for Dec. 12, 2013, at which time Zuniga faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison.

Zuniga was previously released on bond but was taken into custody following the return of the verdict. She will remain pending sentencing. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo.

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