Gulfport, Miss. - Juan Pablo Zamora Gomez, 32, of Modesto, California, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Keith Starrett to 235 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Gomez was also ordered to pay a $20,000.00 fine.
The investigation into Gomez started after agents with the DEA executed a search warrant at Jermaine Newell’s property in Soso, Mississippi. Agents located 951 grams of heroin in Newell’s possession. After Newell’s arrest, agents learned that he received the heroin from Gomez and Vincente Manuel Ruiz. Agents obtained audio recordings of Gomez discussing heroin and setting up a meeting to further the conspiracy. During the investigation, agents also learned that Gomez, Ruiz, and Newell were involved with sending marijuana and methamphetamine from California to Mississippi.
Prior to Gomez’s sentencing, Jermaine Newell and Manuel Ruiz both pled guilty to the conspiracy and were sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the DEA in Gulfport. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
