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Defendants Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracies
Three men from Corpus Christi, Texas, have pleaded guilty to their roles in a federal drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. Manuel Pena, 47, Ignacio Pena, 44, and Jose Fidel Guajardo, 40, all of Corpus Christi, appeared in court and entered guilty pleas to charges of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation, which began in 2008 and continued through 2013, revealed that Manuel Pena, a member of the Texas Syndicate prison gang, orchestrated various drug deals in the Corpus Christi area. Evidence showed that in May 2011, Pena made deals to provide cocaine and methamphetamine to Rocky Bazaldua and David Pete Dominguez. He also admitted to acquiring cocaine and agreeing to sell methamphetamine to Guajardo, and receiving methamphetamine from Raul Leal Martinez.
Ignacio Pena, Manuel Pena’s brother, helped receive and deliver various amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine to various drug dealers in Corpus Christi. Martinez and Guajardo also pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder the proceeds of their drug sales through various financial transactions.
As part of their plea agreements, Manuel Pena, Martinez, and Guajardo agreed to forfeit their interests in various properties around Corpus Christi. The defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. Martinez and Guajardo also face up to 20 years imprisonment for the money laundering conviction.
The case was investigated through a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Nueces and Kleberg County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Portland Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hess.
The remaining defendants, including Bazaldua, Dominguez, and Julieann Gutierrez, have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracies. They are set for sentencing in May 2013, along with Manuel Pena, Ignacio Pena, and Guajardo. The investigation revealed that Gutierrez transported nearly 500 grams of pure methamphetamine to San Antonio for Manuel Pena in April 2011.
The guilty pleas bring an end to a lengthy investigation into the conspiracy, which involved multiple agencies and law enforcement partners. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and money laundering in the region.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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