Mexican Cartel Plead No Guilty to Federal Drug Offense
Reported by Associated Press today, the U.S.-born man accused of being a drug cartel lieutenant, Armando Villareal Heredia, pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering and drug charges yesterday. He was extradited from Mexico to the United States to face federal racketeering (RICO) and drug offense in the Southern District of California after being held at a prison in Veracruz State for almost a year. Villareal is the lead defendant among 43 people charged with drug crime allegedly committed between 2008 and 2010 and if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Most Mexican states, especially the ones along the border with the US, have witnessed a high level of drug-related violence in recent years as rival drug cartels fight each other for control of the lucrative smuggling routes. U.S. authorities continuously show efforts to work with the government of Mexico to combat organized criminal activity along the southwest border. In Mexico, smugglers often advertised work as security guards, housecleaners and cashiers, telling applicants they must drive company cars to the United States. New hires would then be told to drive company cars across the border, and when they arrive, they are often told there will be no work after all that day and must leave the car and walk back to Mexico after being paid a small amount. People are often tricked into this false advertisement and inclined to investigate prior if they are desperate for work. These cases can be challenging for prosecutors because drivers may not know they are smuggling drugs.
Border security in California and other states is meant to reduce crime and criminal charges. Raids of supposed criminal organizations can be especially problematic in a court of law. That is, while some individuals may in fact be guilty of the infractions of which they are accused, other individuals may simply be innocent bystanders having been lumped together with other, more serious offenders. If you’re facing a drug charge, the experiencedLos Angeles drug offense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can help you protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. To learn more, call us today at 866-390-7373 for a free and confidential consultation.
