CORPUS CHRISTI WOMAN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE ORDERED HELD WITHOUT BOND

(BROWNSVILLE, Texas) – A federal magistrate judge has ordered Andrea Kristal Perez, of Corpus Christi, charged with possessing with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, to be held in custody without bond pending further criminal proceedings, United State Attorney Tim Johnson announced today.

Perez, 27, was arrested on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at the Matamoros Port of Entry in Brownsville. The following day, a criminal complaint accusing her of conspiring to possess and possession with intent to distribute approximately 9.7 kilograms of methamphetamine was filed.
                                                           
According to the allegations in the complaint, Perez attempted to enter the United States from Mexico through the Brownsville and Matamoros Port of Entry in Brownsville in a 2004 Honda Accord. During an inspection of the vehicle by Customs and Border Protection officers, 9.70 kilograms of methamphetamine was found in a hidden compartment in the trunk of the car. 

Today, following a detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald G. Morgan ordered Perez be held in federal custody without bond.

Conspiring to and possession with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million.

The case is a result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Israel Cano.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process of law.

 

 

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