California’s Sergio Valencia Sr., 41, from Moreno Valley, received a double blow as he was sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution ring and money laundering scheme. The sentence, handed down on June 5, 2017, by the U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart, mandates two concurrent terms of 13 years and four months (160 months) followed by three years of supervised release.
Valencia was convicted following a trial in Lincoln, Nebraska, which revealed his involvement in transporting meth from California to Lincoln for resale. The profits from these illegal sales were funneled into bank accounts tied to Valencia’s landscaping business, his wife, and other family members, as well as accounts of one of his co-conspirators’ relatives. The crime spree stretched from April 2011 to September 2011 for the money laundering conspiracy and from January 2010 to June 2013 for the drug conspiracy.
Valencia’s wife, Marisela Pescador, a co-defendant, has already pleaded guilty to the same charges and is set for her sentencing on June 8, 2017. The investigation leading up to these convictions was a collaborative effort by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
United States Attorney Stuart emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that such activities not only harm individuals but also undermine community safety and economic stability. The justice system has delivered its verdict, ensuring Valencia’s removal from the streets for a considerable period.
Valencia’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those involved in the methamphetamine trade and money laundering operations. It underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies like the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force to rid the community of such criminal elements.
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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