Last Defendant in Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to 225 Months in Federal Prison

DALLAS — Juan Salazar-Sanchez, aka “Mario Ayala Guzman” and “Manuel Barreto-Sanchez,” 50, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 225 months in federal prison for his role in a heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

Salazar-Sanchez pleaded guilty in October 2016 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Salazar-Sanchez has been in custody since his arrest.

“The convictions of Juan Salazar-Sanchez and his co-conspirators are indicative of law enforcement’s continued commitment to fully identify, investigate and bring to justice drug trafficking organizations determined to make a living from those struggling with addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Parker.

Salazar-Sanchez and four others were arrested in early June 2016 by special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Dallas Police Department who were conducting an operation into bulk distribution of crystal methamphetamine and bulk U.S. currency.

All defendants have been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy to the following:

     Uriel Aguirre-Arzate, 21, 180 months

     Isidro Romero-Madriz, 20, 70 months

     Maricela Mendoza, 20, 11 months

According to documents filed in the case, on June 6, 2016 law enforcement executed a search at a residence on Reynolds Avenue in Dallas, Texas where the four defendants resided. Law enforcement located four loaded firearms and 75.7 grams of methamphetamine in a bedroom used by Salazar-Sanchez. A loaded firearm, 11,703 grams of methamphetamine, 3,354.6 grams of cocaine and 443.5 grams of heroin were located in a bedroom used by Aguirre-Arzate. 25,681.9 grams of cocaine and 1,116.8 grams of heroin were located in another bedroom used by Mendoza and Romero-Madriz. A total of $371,000 was also located in the residence.

The DEA and the Dallas Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cara Pierce and Myria Boehm prosecuted.

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