Federal Jury Convicts Fort Worth Man In Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

FORT WORTH, Texas — Following an afternoon of testimony before U.S. District Judge John McBryde, and five hours of deliberation, a federal jury convicted Josue Martinez-Garcia, aka “Cholo,” of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Martinez-Garcia, 29, of Fort Worth, Texas, faces a statutory sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is set for May 10, 2013. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

The government presented evidence at trial that beginning at least in 2010, Martinez-Garcia conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine The government’s case consisted of numerous witnesses, including two cooperators who had distributed for Martinez-Garcia and an undercover agent who had negotiated with Martinez-Garcia to purchase two kilograms of methamphetamine.

Co-defendant in the case, Jacob Fenton, aka “Solo,” 29, also of Fort Worth, who testified at trial, pleaded guilty in October 2012 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and faces a statutory sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is set for February 1, 2013.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Gulde and Aisha Saleem.