United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas

FORT WORTH HEROIN DISTRIBUTORS SENTENCED

FORT WORTH, Texas — Today, Jesus “Jesse” Orozco, the lead defendant in a heroin distribution conspiracy was sentenced to 108 months (nine years) in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. On February 13, 2008, Orozco pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin. He has been in custody since his arrest in September 2007. In October 2007, Orozco and four co-defendants, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Worth. All of the defendants have pled guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and have been sentenced.

In January 2006, law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) learned that Orozco was distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Orozco conducted much of his drug trafficking business from his place of employment, Shrimpers restaurant located at 215 University Drive in Fort Worth. Typically, buyers would meet with Orozco in the parking lot of Shrimpers where the parties would negotiate terms of the drug transaction. Orozco would then deliver the controlled substances and/or receive payment for such deliveries.

According to documents filed in Court, officers conducting surveillance observed Orozco making heroin and cocaine transactions with his co-defendants in January, February and May of 2006. On September 28, 2007, law enforcement officers arrested Orozco at his home in Fort Worth. Officers obtained consent from Orozco to search the house and found a black backpack containing approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine. Officers also found approximately $18,000 in cash in the house.

Orozco’s co-defendants, Christina Moody and Eli Vernon, III, were each sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Jesusita Villareal Garza was sentenced to 37 months in prison and Roy Lee Mitchell was sentenced to 40 months in prison.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Dewald prosecuted the case.

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