Seven individuals have been sentenced for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs within and outside metro-Atlanta. The leader, Karla Lopez-Delgado, was found guilty of having methamphetamine with intent to distribute where a minor was present.
"This case underscores our Office’s unwavering commitment to dismantle drug trafficking networks that threaten our communities with deadly substances," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He recognized the joint efforts of various law enforcement agencies. Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, expressed a similar sentiment: "Drug dealers who poison our communities will be held accountable."
Lopez-Delgado's drug trafficking operation started in 2022, with assistance from Jonathon Torres-Aguirre, who was then incarcerated. The investigation led to the seizure of methamphetamine and fentanyl on multiple occasions. A search of Lopez-Delgado's Dunwoody apartment revealed significant quantities of illegal drugs and a firearm.
Sentencing details include:
- Karla Lopez-Delgado: 19 years, eight months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Jonathon Torres-Aguirre: 12 years, seven months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Other associates received varying sentences, including home detention and supervised release.
The case was supported by various federal and local agencies under the initiative Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone prosecuted the case, which is part of a comprehensive enforcement strategy involving multiple law agencies. The initiative targets organized crime and significant drug traffickers in the Atlanta area.
For more information, contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. Further details are available at the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Northern District of Georgia.
