Mexican National Handed Significant Sentence For Drug Trafficking And Money Laundering

McALLEN, Texas – Julio Cesar Almeida, 40, a Mexican National residing in Weslaco, has been ordered to prison for 210 months as a result of his convictions of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Almeida previously pleaded guilty, admitting that In March 2007, authorities seized approximately 408 kilograms of cocaine and 27 kilograms of methamphetamine following a traffic accident near Robstown. Almeida supplied the narcotics which were destined for Georgia. Following a lengthy investigation, Almeida was arrested in March 2010 for coordinating the transportation of numerous loads of cocaine from the Rio Grande Valley area to Georgia and elsewhere. Additionally, the investigation revealed Almeida utilized the proceeds generated from his drug trafficking activities to purchase various properties and assets.

Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, who handed down the sentence, ordered he remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Almeida is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.

The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.