Jesus Navarrate, Cocaine Trafficking, Tennessee 2021

State: Tennessee
Category: Drug Trafficking
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/48-year-old-mexican-citizen-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A Memphis man’s life of crime has been cut short. Jesus Navarrate, a 48-year-old Mexican citizen, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a massive cocaine trafficking operation.

The investigation into Navarrate’s activities began in September 2007, when authorities started looking into a drug trafficking organization that was importing large quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the Western District of Tennessee. Utilizing vehicles with hidden compartments, the organization was able to smuggle approximately 1,950 kilograms of cocaine into the area, a truly staggering amount.

Navarrate was extradited from Mexico to the Western District of Tennessee to face charges. In February 2009, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846. He ultimately pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 450 kilograms or more of cocaine in November 2020.

On June 28, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Navarrate to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen on behalf of the government.

This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking organizations. Navarrate’s sentence serves as a warning to others who would seek to engage in similar activities. His case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle these organizations.

Related Federal Cases