Last of Four Defendants Sentenced in Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Louisville, KY - This week the last of four defendants who were part of a conspiracy involving federal drug and firearms offenses that spanned over a year was sentenced.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Quincy R. Barnett of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

According to court documents, Irlan Salazar, 41, of Cuba, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 3 years and 1 month in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for misprision of a felony and obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant.

Cesar Valdes, 33, of Cuba, was sentenced on March 26, 2025, to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Valdes was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On January 24, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Valdes was convicted of attempted robbery 1st degree, enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance within 1000 yards of a school, and enhanced trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces, first offense.

On June 17, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Valdes was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident or failure to render aid with death or serious physical injury.   

Jorge Morales Martinez, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, to 2 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

Victor Hernandez, 37, of Louisville, was sentenced on September 13, 2024, to 4 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and distribution of fentanyl.

There is no parole in the federal system.   

This case was investigated by the FBI and LMPD, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Carissa Moss.

This case was sentenced under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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