Three Men Sentenced To Prison For Roles In Northwest Alabama Drug Ring

TUSCALOOSA – Three of four defendants in a methamphetamine- and cocaine-trafficking organization based in northwest Alabama were sentenced today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay A. Morris.

U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced ISMAR GUTIERREZ-PINEDA, 34, of Haleyville, GARY DALE BARTLETT, 51, of Arley, and EMERITO CABRERA, 24, of Russellville, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of “crack” cocaine in Franklin, Cleburne and Winston counties between August 2011 and November 2012. A fourth member of the conspiracy, EDWIN ISIDRO ALFARO-ENRIQUEZ, 42, of Littleville, is scheduled for sentencing July 30. All four men pleaded guilty in February.

Judge Coogler sentenced Gutierrez-Pineda to 10 years and 10 months in prison on the conspiracy and individual drug distribution charges, as well as for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Gutierrez-Pineda possessed a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber pistol, a Copperhill .45-caliber pistol, a Marlin .22-caliber rifle, and a Savage 7mm rifle on Nov. 7 in Winston County.

Judge Coogler sentenced Bartlett to two years in prison and Cabrera to three years in prison for the conspiracy and one count each of distributing methamphetamine.

The year-long investigation concluded with the seizure of seven pounds of methamphetamine, multiple ounces of cocaine and multiple firearms and vehicles.

The DEA, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department, Alabama State Troopers, and the Winston County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Felton is prosecuting the case.