LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ciro Macias Martinez, a 32-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Georgetown, Kentucky, was sentenced to 31 years in federal prison for his role in a sophisticated drug trafficking and money laundering operation in Central Kentucky.
Macias, the local leader of the organization, was responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, as well as collecting and laundering the proceeds back to Mexico. In his plea agreement, Macias admitted to using contract couriers to pick up large sums of bulk cash and making deposits at multiple banks in increments less than $10,000 to avoid federal and state bank reporting requirements.
During the investigation, the DEA, in conjunction with the Lexington Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, seized and forfeited approximately $1.2 million. Several other individuals, including Arlenne Sosa, Laura Ortiz, and Smirna Ortiz, pleaded guilty to their roles in the money laundering scheme and were sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from three to four years.
The investigation, which began in August 2016, was led by the DEA in Lexington and involved numerous law enforcement agencies. United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and thanked the agents, officers, and prosecutors for their dedicated service.
Ciro Macias Martinez will serve 85% of his 31-year sentence and will face deportation to Mexico upon his release. The sentence imposed by the court underscores the severity of Macias’ criminal conduct and highlights the importance of combating organized crime and money laundering in our community.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Bradbury, who represented the United States in the case. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Duncan, Darrell Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Louisville office, Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police of the Lexington-Fayette County Division of Police, and Richard Sanders, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police.
The investigation and prosecution of Ciro Macias Martinez and his co-conspirators serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in drug trafficking and money laundering activities in our community.
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Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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