U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MICHAEL MENDEZ, age 51, of Houston, was charged today in a three-count Indictment alleging violations of federal drug and firearms laws. Specifically, the Indictment charges MENDEZ with: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.
According to the Indictment, on June 10, 2015, Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop of MENDEZ as he was driving on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish. During the stop, police discovered over fifteen kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and a loaded 9 millimeter Glock pistol inside of the car.
If convicted of either drug offense, MENDEZ faces between ten years to life in prison, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of court supervision after his release. If convicted of the gun offense, MENDEZ faces at least five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and no more than five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is responsible for the prosecution.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
