Press Release
Twice-Removed Mexican National Is Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Trafficking Methamphetamine
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina
Another Defendant Is Sentenced to Two Years for Illegal Possession of a Firearm by an Alien and Production of a Fraudulent Identification Document
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Adolfo Figueroa-Almanza, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and illegal reentry by an aggravated felon. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. presided over the sentencing.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on April 27, 2018, law enforcement in Union County attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle Figueroa-Almanza was driving. Figueroa-Almanza did not stop, and sped away in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Figueroa-Almanza was arrested shortly thereafter, after he tried to flee on foot. Court records show that, at the time of his arrest, Figueroa-Almanza was found to be in possession of approximately 898 grams of methamphetamine. Court records also show that Figueroa-Almanza was previously deported or removed from the United States on December 8, 2015, and again on March 24, 2017.
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In a separate case, Judge Conrad also sentenced today Marco Pimentel De La Cruz, 33, of Mexico, to 24 months in prison. According to court records, on September 4, 2018, law enforcement determined that De La Cruz illegally possessed a SCCY Industries LLC model CPX-2 9 mm caliber handgun, and that he produced or attempted to produce a false identification document. In December 2018, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and production of a fraudulent identification document.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte for their investigation of both cases, and commended the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with the investigation of Figueroa-Almanza.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Kaufman is prosecuting the case against Figueroa-Almanza. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith is handling the prosecution against De La Cruz.
Updated September 12, 2019
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses
Immigration
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