A Commerce man tied to a steady flow of methamphetamine and cocaine across northeastern Oklahoma has been locked up for nearly a decade. Jorge Alberto Moreno, 39, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced the sentencing, which was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell. In addition to the prison term, Moreno will face four years of supervised release upon his eventual return to society. Judge Dowdell emphasized the danger Moreno posed during his criminal activity, noting he possessed a firearm while trafficking drugs—a factor that significantly increased the risk to public safety.
Moreno admitted to selling 25 grams of methamphetamine for $400 in March 2019. Months later, in September 2019, he possessed both methamphetamine and cocaine with the clear intent to distribute. A search of his Commerce home uncovered not only the drugs but $32,000 in cash hidden inside a closet—evidence investigators say confirms the scale of his operation.
“Moreno’s drug operation is closed for business thanks to the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement working together,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “With Moreno behind bars for the next nine years, families living in Commerce can feel safer. Dealers in both rural and urban areas of northeastern Oklahoma will be brought to justice for their crimes.”
The case was part of Operation Hot Rails, a coordinated strike under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force targeting drug networks in the region. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Commerce Police Department led the investigation, dismantling Moreno’s supply chain through surveillance, controlled buys, and forensic evidence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe prosecuted the case. Moreno remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. Authorities warn others in the trade: the heat is on, and the streets won’t forget.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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