Press Release
Lincoln Resident Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs and Conspiracy to Launder Money
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nebraska
United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on March 9, 2018, Aurelio Martinez Rodriguez, 45, a Mexican national who resided in Lincoln, was sentenced to concurrent prison sentences of nine years, (108 months), for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and for conspiracy to money launder. Following the prison term, Martinez will serve five years on supervised release. However, he is likely to be deported to Mexico at the conclusion of his prison sentence.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that between May of 2014 and April of 2017, Martinez was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, which was transported by other members of the conspiracy from Texas to Lincoln, Nebraska. Martinez also helped launder money by depositing cash proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine and cocaine into bank accounts in Lincoln held by other members of the conspiracy who would then withdraw the funds in Texas. Martinez was held responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5¼ ounces) of pure methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately 3 pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least two kilograms (over 4 pounds) of cocaine. During a search of Martinez’s residence on April 24, 2017, officers found over 190 grams (6¾ ounces) of pure methamphetamine, over 168 grams (6 ounces) of methamphetamine mixture, and over 280 grams (10 ounces) of cocaine, along with a scale and packaging materials.
Martinez agreed to the forfeiture of a credit union account containing more than $11,500, and surrendered an additional $25,000 in return for the government’s agreement not to seek forfeiture of his Lincoln residence.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force; the Nebraska State Patrol; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Marshals Service.
Updated March 16, 2018
Topic
Drug Trafficking
Component