LAREDO, Texas - A two-count indictment has been unsealed following the arrest of Laredo resident Santos Eliseo Carpio Jr., 33, on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
The sealed indictment was returned by a grand jury on Sept. 25, 2012, and unsealed late yesterday upon his arrest. He is expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
The indictment alleges Carpio conspired to transport 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana since July 2011. Carpio also allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
