Drug Trafficker Sentenced To More Than 12 Years In Prison

McALLEN, Texas - Ricardo Hinojosa, of Roma, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute in excess of 100 kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. 

On Sept. 1, 2011, Hinojosa and others agreed to transport approximately 211 kilograms of marijuana from a location near the Rio Grande River in Starr County to another location for further distribution. The others included Javier Gonzalez, Ramiro Reyes, Eric Garza, Rogelio Vela and Jose Ibarra. As part of an additional scheme and before the marijuana transportation took place, Hinojosa and others agreed to steal the load of marijuana from the actual owner. They would steal the marijuana and have the actual marijuana owner believe the marijuana was seized by law enforcement.

Hinojosa, Reyes, Vela Gonzales and Garza were sentenced to respective terms of prison of 151, 63, 60, 32 and 24 months. Ibarra was previously sentenced to 30 months for his role and activities.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason C. Honeycutt.