Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
Three individuals involved in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced to prison. Saul Nolasco, 25, of Lodi, California, and Maria Valenzuela, 64, along with Xochitl Sanchez-Pacheco, 38, both from Sinaloa, Mexico, pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Miranda M. Du handed down sentences of 41 months for Nolasco, 33 months for Valenzuela, and 30 months for Sanchez-Pacheco.
The defendants were part of an operation that distributed over 33 kilograms of methamphetamine in Reno between January and October 2023. Nolasco coordinated with his brother in Mexico to facilitate drug transactions across Nevada and California. He managed cash payments and stored methamphetamine at his residence.
Valenzuela was involved in multiple transactions involving pounds of methamphetamine. She handled deliveries and collected payments on behalf of the trafficking organization. In November 2023, she was apprehended at the border while attempting to transport 97 pounds of methamphetamine into the U.S., using a van equipped with hidden compartments.
Sanchez-Pacheco delivered large quantities of methamphetamine in Reno and Modesto, California. One delivery included $5,500 associated with her operations.
A fourth co-defendant named Bobby Jo Kissel has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami announced the sentences alongside Assistant Special Agent Kevin Adams from the DEA Las Vegas District Office. The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA's Regional Narcotics Unit and others.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through collaborative efforts across various agencies.
