Vicente Montoya, Marijuana and Cocaine Conspiracy, Texas 2021

EL PASO, Texas - In a significant blow to organized crime, a key player in a large-scale marijuana and cocaine conspiracy has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. Vicente Montoya, aka “Vicente Fabela Montoya,” “Chente,” 46, of Socorro, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute on October 4, 2021.

According to court documents, Montoya was a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Carlos Moreno-Reyes, aka “Charlie Brown” from October 2008 until April 2019. The DTO operated in the El Paso area and was responsible for transporting and distributing marijuana and cocaine from El Paso to destination cities, including Oklahoma City.

Montoya admitted that he received approximately $1,800,400 in drug proceeds in his role in the DTO. In addition to his prison sentence, Montoya was ordered to pay a $1,800,400 money judgment.

Other members of the DTO included Carlos Moreno-Reyes, aka “Charlie Brown,” 46, of Clint; Jose Luis Ortiz-Valenzuela, aka “Pelon,” 37, of Avondale, AZ; Julio Adrian Terrazas, aka “JT,” 31, of Fabens; Edgar Sanchez, aka “Siez,” “Chavalito,” 31, of Fabens; Jacinto Olivas-Cervantes, aka “Chente,” “Chinto,” 53, of San Elizario; Oliva Beltran-Paez, 34, of Clint; and Rey Anthony Garza, aka “Ray Anthony Garza,” “Flaco,” 51, of Fabens.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff commended the diligent efforts of law enforcement partners in prosecuting the case. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho emphasized the importance of disrupting supply chains that poison people.

Montoya's case is part of a larger effort to dismantle the DTO, which involved several other defendants and resulted in convictions for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, bulk cash smuggling, and conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute.

Montoya's 9-year prison sentence sends a strong message to those involved in organized crime. As the investigation and prosecution of this case continue, it is clear that law enforcement is committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/defendant-marijuana-and-cocaine-conspiracy-sentenced