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Six Sentenced in Abilene Marijuana Conspiracy
ABILENE, Texas – In a shocking blow to the city’s illicit marijuana trade, six defendants have been sentenced for their roles in a massive conspiracy to distribute the substance.
A five-day jury trial in February 2015 convicted three defendants – Jose Cavazos, 51, Travis Kyndall Longoria, 22, and David Rodriguez, 25 – of their involvement in the conspiracy.
Chief U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis handed down stiff sentences: 108 months in federal prison for Cavazos, 120 months for Longoria, and 30 months for Rodriguez.
Another defendant, Brandon Johnson, 35, of Sweetwater, Texas, who pleaded guilty to his role, received a 90-month sentence.
The investigation into the Daniel Longoria Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) began in 2004 when the Abilene Police uncovered a scheme to distribute marijuana from Abilene Automotive and Performance. Longoria hid marijuana in speaker boxes, which were then placed in vehicles to transport the substance throughout the city.
The defendants, who conspired together to transport and distribute large quantities of marijuana, were investigated by the Abilene Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Juanita Fielden and Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams prosecuted the case.
Two defendants, Daniel Longoria, 49, and Fabricio Abelardo Perez, 43, are still awaiting sentencing. Longoria was convicted at trial, while Perez pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy.
The sentences handed down to these defendants serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illicit activities. As the city of Abilene continues to grapple with the issue of marijuana distribution, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their pursuit of those who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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