The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on January 7, 2010, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, ANTONIO GARCIA, a 24-year-old resident of Seattle, Washington, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Sentencing has been set for April 7, 2011.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On February 3, 2010, a buy/bust was arranged at a motel in Seattle, Washington. C.B., through law enforcement-monitored text messages and phone calls, had arranged for Mauro Bonilla to distribute 27 ounces of cocaine to him. Bonilla arrived at the motel and was detained. He was found to have no controlled substances on his person. Subsequent investigation led to a determination that GARCIA was down the street two blocks away with the cocaine. GARCIA then arrived at the hotel within 10 minutes and was detained and found to have approximately 27 ounces of cocaine on his person.

When questioned, GARCIA estimated that he had distributed cocaine to C.B. through Bonilla on three occasions for a total of 37 ounces. GARCIA stated that he had been distributing 1-2 ounces of cocaine per week to Bonilla for approximately 5 months (20-40 oz. total).

Bonilla pled guilty to federal charges and is awaiting sentencing.

GARCIA faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine and at least 4 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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