California Man Sentenced To Prison For Drug Conspiracy

Jackson, Miss - Salvador Gonzales Elias, 46, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 115 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Elias was charged following an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Brusha” targeting illegal narcotics distribution in Scott County, Mississippi. He entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on August 29, 2013.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to the elimination of criminal enterprises that peddle drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “The success of this investigation and prosecution makes clear that law enforcement agencies are united and determined to dismantle the networks that try to profit by selling methamphetamine, an extremely addictive drug that ruins lives.”

“Methamphetamine is a cancer on countless communities that drug traffickers exploit without any regard for the violence and damage they leave in their wake,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer Jr. “This case highlights the added value that a solid partnership between state and federal law enforcement brings to bear in combating multi-jurisdictional criminal organizations. Working with the Miss. Bureau of Narcotics, ATF, and the other agencies involved with this investigation to identify and bring criminals like these to justice remains among HSI's top priorities.” Parmer oversees a five-state area of responsibility including Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

“Operation Brusha” was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Assisting agencies included the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Forest Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin O. Chalk.