Daniel Martinez Sentenced to 7.25 Years for Conspiracy to Distribut…

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS – A 44-year-old Grand Prairie man, Daniel Martinez, has been locked away for 87 months after being convicted of drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today’s grim sentence.

Martinez pleaded guilty on January 28, 2014, to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on July 28, 2014. The court heard that in May 2010, Martinez became entangled in a massive drug ring that distributed marijuana and cocaine across Texas. He was caught using cell phones for coded conversations about the illegal trade.

According to the indictment, Martinez admitted responsibility for distributing approximately 900 kilograms of marijuana, fueling the conspiracy’s operations. On May 12, 2011, he was charged alongside 15 co-defendants with numerous federal drug trafficking and firearm violations.

The investigation revealed that twelve of his co-conspirators have been sentenced to terms ranging from 6 to 262 months in prison, while two others remain at large. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) played a significant role in the joint investigation that led to Martinez’s conviction and sentence.

This case is part of an ongoing effort by federal agencies such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations to dismantle serious drug trafficking organizations responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.

With this sentence, the justice system has delivered a powerful message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Texas, and those who engage in such activities can expect severe punishment.