BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 59-year-old U.S. citizen who resided in Mexico has admitted she possessed with intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Sharon Elaine Horne now faces up to life in prison.
On March 29, Horne attempted to enter the United States via the pedestrian lane at the Gateway International Port of Entry in Brownsville. A search of her belongings revealed two canisters of powdered baby formula. The seals appeared to have been removed and then re-glued.
The investigation revealed a total of 3.9 pounds of crystal meth concealed in bags and hidden underneath the baby formula.
At the time of her plea today, she admitted she picked up the two containers in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, with instructions to walk them across the bridge into the United States.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Jan. 8, 2020. At that time, Horne faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
