California Man Pleads To Heroin Possession

On February 10, 2016, Conrad Valdez, Jr., 45, of Selma, California, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, James L. Porter, announced today.

Evidence at the plea hearing established that Valdez was involved with others in the distribution of heroin. During a September 27, 2016, traffic stop in Effingham County, officers located approximately 20 kilograms of heroin in Valdez’s truck. Valdez is currently being held without bond pending a June 8, 2016, sentencing hearing.

The heroin offense carries a penalty of 10 years’ to life imprisonment, to be followed by at least 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Central Illinois Enforcement Group and Illinois State Police. The Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.

The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.