FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
September 22, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov

            FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Francisco Humberto Carrillo-Beltran, 42, of Jalisco, Mexico, with unlawfully importing methamphetamine into the United States and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

            According to the indictment, on September 11, 2011, Carrillo-Beltran arrived at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport via a direct flight from Guadalajara, Mexico with approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in his luggage.

            This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Elana S. Landau is prosecuting the case.

            “Methamphetamine is a vicious drug that destroys lives and ruins communities,” said Paul Leonardi, resident agent in charge of HSI in Fresno. “Individuals who bring this contraband into our midst are seriously compromising public safety.  By sharing information and resources, HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute individuals engaged in drug smuggling.”
           
            If convicted, Carillo-Betran faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

            The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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