NEW ORLEANS – In a shocking turn of events, 37-year-old Martin Almeda-Pineda, a Mexican citizen, has pleaded guilty to transporting 10 lbs of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court documents, Almeda-Pineda was arrested by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Detectives after a lawful traffic stop of his vehicle. Inside, the detectives found 10 lbs of methamphetamine in the back seat and a firearm in the center console.
Prosecutors allege that Almeda-Pineda was transporting a significant amount of drugs to the Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendant’s actions are in direct violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
Almeda-Pineda faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a term of not less than 5 years of supervised release for Count 1. A consecutive sentence of five years to life in prison and not more than five years of supervised release for Count 2, and up to 10 years imprisonment and not more than 3 years of supervised release for Count 3.
The defendant will also have to pay a total of $300.00 in mandatory special assessment costs.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in working together to investigate this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
Almeda-Pineda’s sentencing is set for October 27, 2021 at 9:30 am before United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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