⏱ 2 min read
A cross-country fentanyl conspiracy has been dismantled in Virginia, with ten defendants convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 16 years. The conspirators, including Carlos Moctezuma Sandoval Romero, Jonathan Ordoñez, and Amir Jose Villalta, obtained thousands of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and distributed them in Virginia and elsewhere. The operation began at least in November 2022 and involved the use of firearms and straw purchases of guns. The investigation was led by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Washington, D.C.
The conspirators used the mail to send pills from California to co-conspirators in Virginia and Maryland. Sandoval Romero sent the pills and was paid by Ordoñez, who collected money from other co-conspirators. Some of the conspirators possessed firearms in relation to their drug trafficking, and some were arrested with both guns and fentanyl pills.
The defendants pleaded guilty to various charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Ordoñez was sentenced to 16 years and three months in prison, while Villalta received 11 years and eight months. Sandoval Romero was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison.
The sentences reflect the seriousness of the crime and the danger posed by fentanyl. The investigation and prosecution of the case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating drug trafficking and protecting public safety.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Virginia
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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