ALBUQUERQUE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 36 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING

ALBUQUERQUE – Cordelia Louisa Espinosa, 52, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced in federal court today to 36 months in prison for conspiracy and distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. 

            According to court documents, Espinosa participated in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy from the beginning of April 2015 to February 9, 2017.  As part of the conspiracy, she participated in a drug transaction in Albuquerque on December 7, 2016.  Espinosa gave a gift bag containing approximately 553 grams of methamphetamine to another drug trafficker, who then gave the bag to an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a drug purchaser.  On February 9, 2017, Espinosa participated further in the conspiracy by coordinating a drug transaction by telephone involving more than 14 kilograms of methamphetamine. 

            The indictment against Espinosa also charged three co-defendants.  On January 3, 2019, Hector Hugo Magana, 35, of Redwood City, California, received a sentence of 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

              On July 3, 2018, Efrain Espinoza-Pena, 45, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.    On September 13, 2018, Edgar Madrid-Rascon, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Both of these co-defendants are awaiting sentencing.

            The Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Mexico State Police, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Mysliwiec and David Cowen prosecuted the case.