Jesus Ruiz Velasco-Ochoa, a 38-year-old Mexican national from Guadalajara, has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation. Velasco-Ochoa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. His co-defendant, Candelaria Vallejo-Gallo, organized the transportation and distribution of illegal drugs across state lines, working with sources in Mexico and California. This investigation, carried out by various law enforcement agencies, has successfully disrupted a significant drug trafficking organization operating in Denver and Aurora. With this sentencing, the United States sends a strong message that it will hold accountable those who jeopardize the safety of our communities for profit.
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Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking
Overview of the Case
In a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking, a Mexican national, Jesus Ruiz Velasco-Ochoa, has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. This case sheds light on the intricate operations of drug trafficking organizations in the United States and the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.
Details of the Sentencing
Under a plea agreement, Velasco-Ochoa pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Co-defendant Candelaria Vallejo-Gallo, who operated in Aurora and Denver, played a crucial role in the transportation and distribution of illegal drugs across state lines. The conspiracy involved working with sources of supply in Mexico, intermediaries in California, and various co-conspirators to facilitate the movement and sale of drugs in Colorado. The operation spanned from March 19, 2019, to February 12, 2020.
Plea Agreement
Velasco-Ochoa’s decision to enter into a guilty plea was a crucial factor in the sentencing. By accepting responsibility for his actions, he demonstrated cooperation with law enforcement and showed a willingness to assist in dismantling the drug trafficking organization. This plea agreement likely influenced the length of his sentence.
Co-defendant and their Role
Candelaria Vallejo-Gallo, the co-defendant in this case, was responsible for organizing the transportation and local distribution of large quantities of illegal drugs. Through her network of co-conspirators, she orchestrated interstate load runs, coordinated the activities of various individuals involved in the operation, and facilitated the distribution of drugs to lower-level dealers.
Interstate Transportation and Local Distribution of Drugs
The interstate transportation and local distribution of drugs were key elements of this drug trafficking conspiracy. Vallejo-Gallo and her co-conspirators worked closely with Mexico-based sources of supply and California-based intermediaries to pick up illegal drugs. These drugs were then transported to Colorado for distribution at the local level. This operation allowed for the widespread availability of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in the Denver and Aurora areas.
Timeline of the Conspiracy
Start and end dates of the conspiracy
The conspiracy began on March 19, 2019, and continued until February 12, 2020. During this period, the drug trafficking organization successfully transported and distributed significant quantities of illegal drugs.
Incidents of drug transportation and delivery
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, there were several notable incidents of drug transportation and delivery. Intercepted calls on July 31, 2019, revealed the delivery of 46 pounds of methamphetamine in a load carried by Velasco-Ochoa. On October 21, 2019, two co-defendants embarked on a load run to California, where they coordinated with Velasco-Ochoa and others to procure and transport drugs back to Colorado. During their return to Colorado on October 23, 2019, Utah State Patrol stopped the vehicle and discovered approximately 53 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the trunk of the car.
Sentencing and Punishment
Length of sentence
Jesus Ruiz Velasco-Ochoa has been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for his involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy. This significant prison term reflects the seriousness of his crime and serves as a deterrent to others who may engage in similar illegal activities.
Federal prison term
Velasco-Ochoa’s sentence will be served in a federal prison, where he will be separated from society and undergo comprehensive rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting personal growth.
Relevance of guilty plea
Velasco-Ochoa’s guilty plea played a crucial role in his sentencing. By accepting responsibility for his actions, he demonstrated cooperation with law enforcement and showed a willingness to assist in dismantling the drug trafficking organization. This level of cooperation likely influenced the leniency of his sentence.
Possession with intent to distribute
Velasco-Ochoa’s involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy included possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. This offense carries severe penalties due to the potential harm caused by the distribution of illegal drugs and the associated societal costs.
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Investigation and Arrests
Law enforcement agencies involved
Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation and subsequent arrests of individuals involved in the drug trafficking conspiracy. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Colorado State Patrol, Aurora Police Department, and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
Agents and deputies assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force played a pivotal role in the investigation. The OCDETF Strike Force focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. This prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.
Multi-agency approach
The success of this investigation can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. By pooling their resources, expertise, and intelligence, these agencies effectively targeted and dismantled the drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Intelligence-driven investigation
An intelligence-driven approach was crucial in uncovering the intricate operations of the drug trafficking organization. Through strategic analysis of information and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, investigators were able to identify key individuals, establish connections, and gather evidence necessary for successful prosecutions.
Dismantling drug trafficking organization
In successfully prosecuting Jesus Ruiz Velasco-Ochoa and Candelaria Vallejo-Gallo, law enforcement agencies have dealt a significant blow to the drug trafficking organization operating in Denver and Aurora. By dismantling this criminal network, the availability and distribution of illegal drugs in these communities have been disrupted, ultimately enhancing public safety.
Effect on drug distribution in Denver and Aurora
The disruption of this drug trafficking organization has had a tangible impact on the distribution of illegal drugs in Denver and Aurora. With the key players apprehended and removed from the streets, the availability of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl has been significantly curtailed, making these communities safer.
Safety of communities
One of the primary objectives of law enforcement agencies is to ensure the safety and well-being of communities. By targeting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations, agencies like the FBI, HSI, and IRS-CI are actively working to reduce drug-related violence, addiction, and the associated social costs.
Revenue generated by drug traffickers
Drug trafficking is a lucrative business, with immense profits generated by those involved in the trade of illegal drugs. By disrupting the operations of drug trafficking organizations, law enforcement agencies also hinder the flow of funds that sustain these criminal enterprises. Cutting off the revenue streams of drug traffickers is a crucial step in dismantling their organizations and eradicating the grip of drug addiction in our communities.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Jesus Ruiz Velasco-Ochoa to federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy serves as a clear message to those engaging in illicit drug activities. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation demonstrate a commitment to fighting drug trafficking and protecting communities from the devastating consequences of illegal drugs. Through intelligence-driven investigations and the dismantling of drug trafficking organizations, law enforcement agencies strive to create a safer and healthier society for all.
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