LAREDO, Texas - A total of five men from Laredo have admitted to conspiracy and possessing with the intent to distribute various amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Christian Alejandro Enriquez, 27, pleaded guilty today. Luis Ernesto Lopez, 34, Martin Arturo Ramirez, 28, Jose Erasmo Saucedo Jr., 38, and Luis Antonio Villanueva, 41, previously entered their pleas.
In July 2016, authorities initiated an investigation into Saucedo’s street-level cocaine distribution activities. Between Feb. 2, 2017, and April 19, 2019, Saucedo conspired with Lopez, Ramirez, Villanueva and Enriquez in person and over the telephone to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Today, all five men admitted they were involved in the transportation of cocaine on various dates. On one occasion, Ramirez coordinated an event in which Lopez picked up a bag of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine from Villanueva’s house. On other dates, Saucedo and Enriquez also sold cocaine to undercover authorities.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing June 1, 2020.
Saucedo, Villanueva and Ramirez face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million fine. For their convictions, Lopez and Enriquez face a maximum 20-year-prison term and a possible $1 million fine.
Ramirez, Saucedo, Villanueva and Enriquez were permitted to remain on bond pending their sentencing hearings. Lopez has been and will remain in custody.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety and Laredo Police Department conducted the long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Funion Fiesta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
