Shaun Michael Simmons, Cocaine Importation, Texas 2023

McALLEN, Texas - Shaun Michael Simmons, a 37-year-old resident of Sacramento, California, has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to import narcotics through the Rio Grande Valley for further distribution into the United States.

On June 14, 2022, Dustin Oliver entered the United States from Mexico in a vehicle with an attached trailer through the Anzalduas Port of Entry in Mission. Upon initial inspection, law enforcement conducted an X-ray scan, observed anomalies in the trailer floor and referred Oliver to secondary inspection.

Through a physical search, law enforcement discovered 20 packages of narcotics concealed within aftermarket compartments located in the trailer floor. The packages weighed approximately 22 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.

Simmons pleaded guilty Oct. 11, 2023, to conspiracy to import narcotics. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Simmons to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane also noted Simmons' criminal history and his aggravating role by acting in a leadership capacity over other members of the organization.

Both Oliver, 35, of Indiana, and Ericka Iesha Thomas, 30, of California, were previously sentenced to 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

Simmons will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/drug-trafficker-sent-prison-importing-22-kilos-cocaine-through-rgv