FRESNO, Calif — A Kings County man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine trafficking operation, federal authorities announced yesterday.
52-year-old Louie Molina, of Hanford, was sentenced for his crime of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Red Reaper, was a joint effort between various agencies including the Kings County Gang Task Force, the California Department of Justice, the FBI, and the DEA.
According to court documents, the investigation began in March 2019 and targeted the Nuestra Familia prison gang and the Norteño street gang in Kings County.
During the investigation, authorities intercepted recorded conversations on a wiretap that revealed Molina was supplying methamphetamine to a codefendant, who was a target of the investigation.
On May 3, 2019, Molina delivered about half a pound of methamphetamine to his codefendant before leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
During the pursuit, Molina tossed a pound of methamphetamine out of his car, which was later recovered by officers after apprehending him.
The investigation was part of a larger effort to reduce violent crime and gun violence in California, and was supported by Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together law enforcement and community organizations to make neighborhoods safer.
The case was also investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a program that identifies and disrupts high-level criminal organizations.
Assistant United States Attorney Justin J. Gilio prosecuted the case.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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