Timothy J. Racicot Acting United States Attorney for the District of Montana | Wikipedia
A California man, Heriberto Eddie Garcia, 45, appeared in court for arraignment on charges related to drug possession. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced that Garcia pleaded not guilty to an indictment accusing him of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
If convicted of the most serious charge, Garcia could face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, along with a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. The proceedings were overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim Cavan, who released Garcia pending further legal actions.
The indictment alleges that between May 2023 and January 2024, Garcia conspired with others to possess and intend to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 500 grams of cocaine. Additionally, it charges that on January 22, 2024, Garcia knowingly possessed these amounts with the intent to distribute them.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following investigations conducted by the DEA, Montana Highway Patrol, and Laurel Police Department. It is emphasized that the charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of "Operation Take Back America," an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. This operation involves efforts from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case can be tracked through PACER under reference number 25-16. Interested parties can monitor its progress via the U.S. District Court Calendar or establish a PACER account for electronic access to case documents.
