Two Charged with Felony Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANTONIO HALEY, age 38, of Hammond, and ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ, age 25, of Houston, were charged today in a three-count Indictment for conspiring to and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to the Indictment, from a date unknown until May 14, 2015, HALEY and RODRIGUEZ conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  The indictment also separately charges that HALEY and RODRIGUEZ possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 14, 2015.

If convicted, both HALEY and RODRIGUEZ each face a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and a maximum term of supervised release of at least four years as to the conspiracy count.  HALEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum fine of $1,000,000 and a term of supervised release of at least four years as to his possession with intent to distribute count.  RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and a term of supervised release of at least four years as to his possession with intent to distribute count.

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Baehr is in charge of the prosecution.

Antonio Haley & Orlando Rodriguez Indictment (1.25 MB)