FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 26, 2011
MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO PRISON ON FEDERAL MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION CHARGE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Rosa Ledezma, 44, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Ledezma admitted that from February 17, 2010 until February 19, 2010, she conspired with associates to distribute marijuana linked to an on-going trafficking scheme. The defendant further admitted to traveling to Columbus, Ohio, at the direction of a known associate, to meet with a confidential informant and an undercover officer to receive and distribute a shipment of marijuana.
In order to further the marijuana conspiracy, the defendant admitted to approving a drop-off location and assisted with unloading marijuana from a delivery truck being operated at the time by associates. Ledezma admitted to accompanying an undercover officer to a Lowe's store to purchase items used to remove a fake wall located in the delivery truck that concealed the quantity of marijuana.
The defendant further admitted to following the undercover officer to a nearby truck stop. Ledezma informed co-conspirators operating the transporting truck at the time that the delivery location was adequate and the co-conspirators proceeded on to the intended delivery site. Officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the transporting truck. A search of the truck revealed a large quantity of marijuana in excess of 100 kilograms. The defendant admitted that the marijuana that was to be delivered to a confidential informant based in Columbus was also intended for delivery to other areas including Huntington and elsewhere in the Southern District of West Virginia.
This case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Huntington Police Department . Assistant United States Attorney Monica Dillon handled the prosecution.
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