Methamphetamine Distributor Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison

FORT WORTH — Carlos Cortinas, 39, of Arlington, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to 168 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

Cortinas and David Piper, Jr., 52, were convicted following a two-day jury trial in March 2017.  Both defendants were convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Piper was previously sentenced to 235 months in federal prison. 

Co-conspirator Chadwick Hernandez, 32, pleaded guilty in February 2017 to the same offense and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. 

The government presented evidence at trial that beginning in March 2015 until January 20, 2016 Piper and Cortinas possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Evidence elicited at trial showed that methamphetamine distributors from Arlington, including Cortinas, transported multiple pounds of methamphetamine to Piper for re-distribution of methamphetamine in Bolivar, Missouri.  

DEA Fort Worth investigated with the assistance of DEA’s Springfield and Tulsa offices, Arlington Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, North Richland Hills Police Department, Oklahoma DPS, and Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aisha Saleem and Shawn Smith prosecuted.  

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