Joel Antonio Villegas, Drug Trafficking, California 2017

LOS ANGELES — A South Gate man pleaded guilty today to a federal narcotics charge for leading a drug trafficking ring that imported drugs, including cocaine and heroin, from Mexico, then used modified BMWs with hidden trap compartments to distribute those drugs throughout the United States.

Joel Antonio Villegas, 35, a.k.a. 'Junior,' pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

According to his plea agreement, from at least November 2017 to September 2019, Villegas led a drug trafficking organization that imported from Mexico to the United States kilogram quantities of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and hashish oil.

Villegas ordered other conspirators to purchase cars – including BMWs – and modify them by installing hidden trap compartments so other members of the organization could conceal and transport narcotics and drug proceeds on the organization's behalf.

Villegas delegated to other conspirators the coordination of cross-border caravans using couriers and other so-called 'trap cars' to pick up drugs – including cocaine and heroin – in Mexico and transport them into the United States.

In addition to multiple firearms Villegas possessed at his residence, law enforcement also recovered $127,307 in cash and jewelry, including three Rolex watches and one golden necklace, all of which were purchased with the organization's drug proceeds.

United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. scheduled an August 30 sentencing hearing, at which time Villegas will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/south-gate-man-pleads-guilty-leading-drug-trafficking-ring-used-modified-trap-cars