KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for methamphetamine trafficking and for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported three times.
Emilio Pena-Castro, 33, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 10 years and one month in federal prison without parole.
On April 24, 2018, Pena-Castro pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
Pena-Castro was arrested on Sept. 9, 2017, following a traffic stop by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper. Pena-Castor, who was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, was stopped for speeding on I-29 near mile marker 58 in Missouri. Pena-Castro had no driver’s license and there was an active felony arrest warrant issued by the Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff’s Department.
During a search of the vehicle, officers seized a plastic bag that contained approximately 369.3 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the roof of the Trailblazer.
Pena-Castro was removed from the United States in March 2012 after being arrested in Phoenix, Ariz., for the offenses of aggravated assault, aggravated assault domestic violence - impede breathing, kidnap - apprehension of injury, and unlawful imprisonment. In August 2012 he was arrested in Arizona for offenses including possession/use weapon in drug offense, marijuana- transport and/or sell, and marijuana - possess/use. He was again removed from the United States. In October 2014, Pena-Castro was encountered at a residence in Phoenix in connection with an investigation regarding possible human smuggling activities. Federal agents seized approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine from the residence. Pena-Castro was convicted of illegally reentering the United States and was again removed to Mexico in January 2012.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Moore. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
