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Press Release

Lancaster Resident Sentenced For Importing Meth

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

LAREDO, Texas – Elmer Resendiz, 22, of Lancaster, has been ordered to prison following his conviction of importing more than five kilograms of methamphetamine from Mexico, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Resendiz pleaded guilty Sept. 6, 2013. 

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge George Kazen handed Resendiz a total sentence of 135 months in federal prison followed by a five-year-term of supervised release. At the hearing, Judge Kazen commented on the involvement of relatives of Resendiz in the commission of the offense.

On June 9, 2013, Resendiz was detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers as he attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez Port of Entry No. 2, in Laredo. At that time, CBP officers found a noticeable amount of bondo in addition to signs of recent tampering with front passenger side wheel well and left front quarter panel. Resendiz and his vehicle were then sent for secondary inspection, at which time 9.94 kilograms of methamphetamine were discovered bundled inside a hidden compartment in the firewall of his vehicle.

Resendiz admitted to importing the drugs for individuals in the U.S. He stated he was driving the drug-laden vehicle to Lancaster and was to be paid $10,000 for his efforts.

Resendiz was permitted to voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The case was investigated by CBP and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Coker prosecuted the case. 

Updated April 30, 2015