Phoenix Man Found Guilty Of Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine And Heroin

DES MOINES, IA - On November 26, 2013, Ismael Corrales Portillo, a 42 yearold resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one kilogram or more of heroin; possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced Nicholas A. Klinefeldt, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. The trial was presided over by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey. All three charges carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison, a fine up to $10 million, and at least five years of supervised release. All three charges also carry a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The evidence produced at trial showed that Corrales Portillo worked together with his brother, Jose Corrales Portillo, to transport from Phoenix, Arizona, approximately three pounds of methamphetamine and seventeen pounds of heroin. On July 13, 2013, the brothers stopped in Des Moines, Iowa to deliver three pounds of methamphetamine.

While in Des Moines, the Narcotics Section of the Des Moines Police Department conducted an operation that resulted in the seizure of the heroin and methamphetamine, which were concealed inside the gas tank of a vehicle.

Jose Corrales Portillo pled guilty on November 20, 2013, and the sentencing proceeding is scheduled for March 27, 2014.

The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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