Mesquite, Texas Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison

          DALLAS— Manuel Medina-Valdes, 25, of Mesquite, Texas, was sentenced Friday, June 15, 2018, by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to 240 months in federal prison for his role in the distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.

          Medina-Valdes has been in custody since his arrest in December 2016.  He pleaded guilty in June 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

          According to the plea agreement factual resume filed in the case, on December 13, 2016, Drug Enforcement Administration agents executed a federal search warrant at Medina-Valdes’s residence in Mesquite, Texas.  Agents seized two sets of keys on a nightstand, numerous detailed drug ledgers, and an air respirator mask.  The keys seized from Medina-Valdes’s residence unlocked the home’s front door and a guest room’s closet door.  After unlocking the closet door, agents found approximately seven kilograms of methamphetamine, miscellaneous methamphetamine lab re-crystallization equipment, drug packaging, approximately $15,000, five handguns and ammunition.  Additionally, agents located a Mexican passport for Medina-Valdes and multiple Home Depot and Walmart receipts for acetone, propane, and plastic containers, which are used recrystallizing methamphetamine. 

          The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, with assistance from the Rockwall Police Department, Garland Police Department, and Allen Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanna Etessam was in charge of the prosecution.

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