Mexican National Sentenced to more than 17 Years’ Imprisonment for Narcotics Charge

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced on April 24, 2024, Fausto Antonia Castro Mendoza, 37, of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, after having pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Castro Mendoza to 210 months’ imprisonment. After completing his term of imprisonment, Castro Mendoza will be deported to Mexico as he is not a United States citizen.

On March 4, 2023, a Seward County Deputy Sheriff conducted a traffic stop on a white 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling eastbound, near mile marker 382 on Interstate-80. The driver of the Tahoe was identified as Fausto Antonio Castro Mendoza. Codefendant Jesus Villanueva was identified as the front seat passenger. During the course of the traffic stop, the Deputy observed a marijuana product and subsequently searched the Tahoe discovering approximately 44 pounds of meth, and approximately 2 pounds of fentanyl pills.

During a post arrest interviews both Castro Mendoza and Villanueva admitted transporting the meth and fentanyl pills from Denver, Colorado, to Omaha, Nebraska, and that each was being paid to do so.

Villanueva pled guilty to the same narcotics charge and was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment on April 3, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.