Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FERMIN RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA, age 24, a resident of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a two-count indictment  charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on September 27, 2022, RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA traveled from Dallas, Texas to a Super 8 motel in Covington, Louisiana carrying approximately five kilograms of fentanyl.  Based on information obtained through  investigation, Homeland Security Investigations agents and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA upon his arrival at the motel.  Agents then searched his luggage and discovered five kilograms of fentanyl.

As to each count to which he pled guilty, RODRIGUEZ-ORTEGA faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.