A Criminal Complaint Is A Formal Accusation Of Criminal Conduct, Not Evidence.
HOUSTON - Mikkail Antonio Nolasco Jimenez, 27, has been arrested and charged with importing cocaine into the United States and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute it, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. Jimenez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) after it was determined he had allegedly ingested 53 pellets containing cocaine.
The criminal complaint filed today alleges that on Saturday, May 11, 2013, Jimenez arrived aboard a flight from Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago bound for New York. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents became suspicious when Jimenez provided inconsistent statements. The investigation resulted in the discovery of anomalies in his body resembling pellets believed to contain a controlled substance. Jimenez was transported and admitted to an area hospital.
Jimenez allegedly expelled a total of 53 pellets, which contained a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine, according to the complaint.
Jimenez made his made his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S Magistrate Judge Stephen Wm. Smith, at which time he was ordered into custody pending a detention hearing, set for Thursday, May 16.
Upon conviction, Jimenez faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to a 40 years in prison on each of the two counts.
The investigation leading up to the charges was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart A. Burns is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
