MAN EXTRADITED FROM MEXICO CITY TO FACE CHARGE ALLEGING METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING

(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – Sergio Orozco-Barajas, a Mexican citizen, has been extradited to the United States to face charges of methamphetamine trafficking in Corpus Christi, Texas, acting United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. Orozco-Barajas’ extradition is a result of the efforts of a multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. 

Orozco-Barajas was charged by a federal grand jury along with his wife, Caroline Manzo-Navarro, and Francisco Villanueva-Navarro, both citizens of Mexico, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on March 26, 2008. Manzo-Navarro and Villaneuva-Navarro have entered pleas of guilty and are awaiting sentencing in federal court.

Orozco-Barajas is scheduled to appear in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian L. Owsley in Corpus Christi today at 2:00 p.m. The U.S. plans to seek the continued detention Orozco-Barajas without bond pending trial of this case.

Orozco-Barajas is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five-hundred grams of methamphetamine. Based upon the amount of the alleged methamphetamine involved, Orozco-Barajas faces no less than 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, if convicted.

The investigation leading to the criminal charges was conducted through OCDETF in Corpus Christi lead by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations and the United States Marshals Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hampton.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.

 

 

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