Local Cell Head Of A Major Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Is Sentenced To 20 Years In Federal Prison

DALLAS — The local cell head of a major methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and elsewhere since October 2012, was sentenced this afternoon in federal court in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

Gerardo Cisneros, aka “Tatuado,” “Gera,” and “Jerry,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis to serve a total of 20 years in federal prison.  Cisneros, 27, previously agreed to forfeit five vehicles and a firearm.

Cisneros pleaded guilty in October 2013 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  He has been in custody since his arrest in August 2013 when special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other law enforcement members executed numerous arrest warrants for defendants charged in the methamphetamine conspiracy as outlined in a federal indictment returned the previous month.  The conspiracy involved Cisneros’s mother, who has been arrested, and his sister, who is a fugitive.  The methamphetamine was imported into the U.S. from Mexico, and it was delivered to the Dallas area for distribution.

According to documents filed in the case, Cisneros acted as the local cell head of the conspiracy.  He worked with co-defendants to set up a receipt and distribution center for controlled substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana.  Cisneros admitted that he received and distributed methamphetamine in multi-kilo quantities, collected money from his customers and returned money to his supply source in Mexico.  Cisneros admitted sending money to Mexico via couriers to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the drug proceeds.

Cisneros also admitted conspiring to launder money by depositing drug proceeds into multiple bank accounts so that the money could ultimately be withdrawn by individuals in Mexico in order to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of the drug proceeds. 

Cisneros further admitted he used drug proceeds to purchase a 2006 Chrysler 300, a 2009 Honda Accord, a 2007 Ford Edge, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2009 Mercedes and his residence on Marilyn Lane in Arlington.  He also admitted that the automobiles, residence and property at this location were used to facilitate drug trafficking.

Twenty-four defendants were charged in the conspiracy.  The case against one defendant was dismissed and two defendants are awaiting trial.  All other captured defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

This Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case was investigated by the DEA, the Dallas Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department, Garland Police Department, Rockwall Police Department and the Arlington Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal is leading the prosecution with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Poe and John DeLaGarza.