Guatemalan Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Gerso Ortega-Corado, 26, of Guatemala, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine conspiracy.  Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Ortega-Corado to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.  After his release from prison, he will begin a two-year term of supervised release.  Ortega-Corado also agreed to the forfeiture of $169,283 that was seized as part of the investigation.

On April 11, 2022, an undercover (UC) Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration communicated with a Mexican-based source of supply about purchasing four ounces of methamphetamine that could be delivered to the UC in Omaha.  Arrangements were made, and later that day Ortega-Corado arrived and exchanged $1,000 for four ounces of methamphetamine. 

On June 16, 2022, the DEA executed a number of search warrants on stash houses and storage sheds that had been identified as being utilized by the Mexican-based source of supply.  At one of the stash houses, Ortega-Corado was observed leaving the location and was detained.  A search of this location resulted in 26.3 kilograms of pure methamphetamine being seized.  The apartment manager confirmed that Ortega-Corado resided at the residence.  Additional evidence seized from that location included Ortega-Corado’s driver’s license, immigration paperwork, and $160,000.  In total, $169,283 was seized from the different locations.    

This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and the Omaha Police Department.