Medina man charged with sending nearly a half-million dollars from cocaine conspiracy through U.S. mail

A Medina man was named in a 13-count federal indictment, charged with using the U.S. mail to transfer nearly a half-million dollars related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy, said Acting U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon.

Nelson Figueroa, 35, is accused of mailing U.S. currency 13 times in July and August 2015. The total amount of currency mailed is approximately $456,770, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit the money involved in the alleged crime.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.