Jimmy Gil, Cocaine Smuggling, California 2015

FRESNO, Calif. – In a shocking turn of events, Jimmy Gil, a 35-year-old man from Shafter, California, pleaded guilty to conspiring to import, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute 38 kilograms of cocaine, according to a recent press release from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.

According to court documents, Gil conspired with Luis Ricardo Eslava-Corral, also known as Eslava, and Jose Luis Montoya-Salazar, also known as Rafael Salazar-Sanchez, to smuggle cocaine into the United States from Mexico. The operation involved a tractor trailer containing 38 kilograms of cocaine, which was seized by law enforcement at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

Gil and Montoya were arrested before they could unload 20 more kilograms of cocaine concealed in the tractor trailer. A follow-up investigation led to the seizure of $3,104,661 in cash hidden in an asphalt roller at another location in Bakersfield. The seized cocaine has a street value of over $3 million.

As part of the plea agreement, Gil will forfeit $3.1 million in cash that was seized during the investigation. Gil faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill in Fresno on July 27, 2015.

The charges against Montoya are still pending and are only allegations, according to the press release. Montoya is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Montoya, along with Eslava, is subject to removal to Mexico after serving any prison sentence imposed.

This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.

Gil’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in the fight against drug trafficking in the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the efforts of the agencies involved in the investigation and looks forward to bringing justice to the victims of Gil’s crimes.

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