McALLEN, Texas – A recent federal court case has brought three men to justice for their roles in the distribution of over 40 kilograms of cocaine.
The operation, which took place from October 2021 to January 2022, involved Luis Jaime Escamilla, 50, a legal permanent resident from Mexico, Joel Otoniel Medina, 35, of Penitas, and Andres Montalvo Jr., 38, of Mission.
Escamilla, Medina, and Montalvo each pleaded guilty on June 16, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has since sentenced Escamilla to serve 66 months in federal prison and Medina to serve 46 months. Montalvo received a sentence of 12 months and one day. All three men will be on supervised release for three years following their sentences.
Escamilla’s legal status to reside in the country is now at risk. The court considered the number of occasions the men engaged in narcotics trafficking and their roles in furthering the distribution of drugs into the county.
Law enforcement stopped the vehicles and identified Medina, Montalvo, and Beltran on four separate occasions. The men each admitted they were being paid to transport the cocaine. In total, law enforcement seized 41 bundles, weighing over 44 kilograms, with an estimated street value of approximately $500,000.
Rigoberto Beltran-Garza, 42, of Hidalgo, previously received 46 months in federal prison for his role in the operation.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Fry prosecuted the case.
Defendant: Luis Jaime Escamilla, Andres Montalvo Jr., Joel Otoniel Medina
Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine
City and State: McAllen, Texas
Date: June 16, 2023
Sentence: 66 months for Escamilla, 46 months for Medina, 12 months and one day for Montalvo
Dollar Amount: $500,000
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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