Torres Sentenced

A Colorado man has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy that spanned from 2009 to 2010. Javier Torres, 30, from Denver, Colorado, received the prison term after an October 24, 2012, jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Torres was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance – cocaine, a felony, in the Colorado District Court for Adams County, on November 4, 2011. Evidence at trial showed that Torres was involved in a conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine from 2009 through about August 2010.

Torres transported methamphetamine from sources in Colorado to individuals in Iowa who would then distribute the methamphetamine to a number of different people in Iowa. The scope of the conspiracy was extensive, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation, including the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, North Central Iowa Drug Task Force, and the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa.

Torres was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. He was sentenced to 85 months’ imprisonment, and a special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde, who worked tirelessly to bring Torres to justice. The investigation was a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sioux City Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service.

Torres is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case file number is 11-3014, and court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The conviction and sentencing of Torres serve as a reminder of the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies take drug-related crimes, and the significant consequences that those involved in such activities can face.

RELATED: Michael Danzey Sentenced for Leading Fentanyl & Cocaine Ring

RELATED: “Pee Wee” Paradis Caged: 4+ Years for Fentanyl & Coke