Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A Mexican national residing illegally in McAllen, Texas, has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Heriberto Marin-Hebert, aged 39, pleaded guilty on November 22, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane issued the sentence and noted that Marin-Hebert is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his prison term.
The case began on August 14, 2024, when law enforcement observed Marin-Hebert making hand-to-hand exchanges around McAllen with his children present in the vehicle. During a traffic stop, he attempted to dispose of evidence by throwing a box containing cocaine into a ditch. Authorities recovered multiple individually-wrapped baggies of cocaine from the box.
Further investigation led to a search of Marin-Hebert's home where additional cocaine baggies, drug scales, paraphernalia, two firearms, and over $12,000 in cash were discovered.
Marin-Hebert admitted at the time of his arrest that he sold cocaine as his means of livelihood. He remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
