Methamphetamine Traffickers Busted in Fort Worth

David Piper, Jr. and Carlos Cortinas found guilty in federal court. Two Fort Worth men have been convicted in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that spanned multiple states, including Texas and Missouri. David Piper, Jr., 52, and Carlos Cortinas, 39, were each convicted late yesterday by a federal jury, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

The jury delivered guilty verdicts on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a charge that carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing for the two men is scheduled for July 17, 2017.

Co-conspirator Chadwick Hernandez, 32, pleaded guilty in February 2017 to the same offense and will be sentenced on June 26, 2017. The government presented evidence at trial that Piper and Cortinas possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from March 2015 until January 20, 2016.

According to trial testimony, methamphetamine distributors from Arlington, including Cortinas, transported multiple pounds of the illicit drug to Piper for re-distribution in Bolivar, Missouri. The investigation into the methamphetamine trafficking ring involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the DEA Fort Worth office, DEA’s Springfield and Tulsa offices, Arlington Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, North Richland Hills Police Department, Oklahoma DPS, and Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aisha Saleem and Shawn Smith prosecuted the case, which was a result of the collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies. The conviction is a significant blow to methamphetamine trafficking in the region.

The trial was held before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who will preside over sentencing for Piper and Cortinas in July.

Case Details: David Piper, Jr., 52, and Carlos Cortinas, 39, were convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2017.

Investigation: The DEA Fort Worth office, DEA’s Springfield and Tulsa offices, Arlington Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, North Richland Hills Police Department, Oklahoma DPS, and Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Prosecution: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aisha Saleem and Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.