California man pleads guilty to federal drug trafficking crime

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andres Dominguez, age 25, of San Diego, California, pled guilty today to a drug conspiracy charge.

According to court documents, Dominguez was a money courier for a drug supply chain that stretched from the Southwest border to Ohio and West Virginia. Dominguez flew into the Pittsburgh International Airport on several occasions to collect cash payments for drugs. He would then fly to California to deliver the cash to the supplier. Dominguez helped to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, more than 400 grams of fentanyl, and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.

Dominguez faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, which includes officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Belmont County (OH) Sheriff’s Office and the Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office provided important assistance. The investigation was supported by the ATF, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Allegheny County (PA) Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

Read more about the initial indictment: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/federal-indictment-cuts-major-source-west-virginia-drug-supply