A Honduran national, known as Hector Ojeda Manuel Aponte, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for methamphetamine distribution. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. Court records revealed that Aponte distributed approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine every one to two weeks, alongside fentanyl pills and bath salts. He utilized multiple vehicles, stash houses, and business fronts for drug transportation and money laundering.
Aponte was identified as a key figure for the Sinaloa Cartel in Idaho, with a robust supply chain and distribution network involving accomplices. His sentencing marks the conclusion of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit.
U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford had previously sentenced several other defendants connected to this case: Ernesto Diaz Gaspar received 30 months, Wilkin Rolando Martinez Munguia 36 months, Cevin Alfonzo Martinez 42 months, and Jesus DeJesus Loera 70 months in prison. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Lawrence Barnes to 160 months in prison. Among these defendants, Barnes and Loera are U.S. citizens; others were unlawfully present aliens.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott emphasized the commitment of the Department of Justice to combat Mexican drug cartels' narcotics distribution in Idaho: "Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold them accountable for bringing poisonous drugs into our state."
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division stated: "Illegal immigration and drug trafficking are interconnected threats because Foreign Terrorist Organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel routinely employ people like this defendant to further their drug enterprises." He expressed satisfaction over holding Aponte accountable for his crimes against the community.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.
