Laredoan Gets 10+ Years in Federal Prison

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Jorge Noriega, 31, of  Laredo, Texas, has been sentenced to 125 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute approximately 70 kilograms of cocaine, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle late yesterday in federal Court in Brownsville.    

Noriega pleaded guilty on Feb. 11, 2011.

At the time of his guilty plea, the government’s evidence indicated that on Dec. 21, 2010, Noriega was apprehended at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint while driving a 2004 Volvo Tractor/Trailer vehicle. Appearing nervous, Noriega was referred to secondary inspection at which time Border Patrol canine (K-9) agents discovered 64 bundles of a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine. Noriega admitted to transporting the cocaine, which was to be transported to Dallas, Texas. 

The case was investigated by Border Patrol and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elena Salinas.