High Level International Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SERGIO GRIMALDO aged 34, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  GRIMALDO’s organization distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine throughout United States, to include Jackson, Mississippi, Pensacola, Florida, New York City, New York, and Houma, Louisiana.

According to court documents, in September 2009, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents seized cocaine hydrochloride in Houma, Louisiana and in April of 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine hydrochloride from the defendant in Beaumont, Texas.

GRIMALDO was extradited from Mexico in July 2014, based on a warrant from the Eastern District of Louisiana.  EFRAIN GRIMALDO, co-defendant and the brother of SERGIO GRIMALDO, was convicted of the same offense following a jury trial and was sentenced to 405 months imprisonment.

GRIMALDO faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million.  U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for  January 20, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work  of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Office, DEA Houston HIDTA Task Force, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop C, Houma Police Department and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Murphy and Theodore R. Carter III are in charge of the prosecution.