Sinaloa Cartel Distributor Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy and Firearms Crimes

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Jose Leyva-Martinez, 49, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for his participation in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy and for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Leyva-Martinez to 210 months’ imprisonment on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 months’ imprisonment on the firearm charge for a total sentence of 270 months.  There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

On March 31, 2021, an Omaha Police confidential source purchased more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from an Omaha-based methamphetamine dealer.  A search of the dealer’s home resulted in the seizure of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine, 19 grams of heroin, 14 grams of cocaine, a Glock 10mm handgun, and $5,744 in United States currency.

In an interview with police, the Omaha dealer provided police with the name of his supplier: Leyva-Martinez.  With this information, officers searched Leyva-Martinez’s home, seizing nearly 4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, money transfer receipts, ammunition, 2 drug scales, vehicle titles for a gray Toyota Tacoma, a gray Honda civic, and a black GMC 1500, a money counter, drug ledger, jewelry, $468,990.00 in United States currency, and an Astra 9mm handgun.  The handgun was found in a bedroom near $28,000 in United States currency.

Leyva-Martinez admitted being a methamphetamine supplier and distributor for the Sinaloa Cartel.  He admitted that all three vehicles and the residence were put in his name at the direction of the Cartel.  Law enforcement estimated that the seized currency represented cash proceeds from the sale of more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine. 

Leyva-Martinez’s home, vehicles, monies, and other valuables were seized by law enforcement as proceeds of narcotics trafficking. 

This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.