Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison

Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in
Federal Prison

PHOENIX, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Aaron Quintero-Soto, 41, of
Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced here by U.S. District Judge Earl H. Carroll to
262 months in federal prison to be followed by 25 years of supervised release.
The court also ordered the defendant to forfeit all interest in $199,297 and
a 2001 Dodge Caravan seized as part of the investigation. On June 4, 2009,
Aaron Quintero-Soto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to
distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine case (crack cocaine).
Quintero-Soto was the leader and one of five members of a drug trafficking
organization (DTO) to be prosecuted and sentenced after a three-month
investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Dennis K. Burke stated: "This
investigation and prosecution puts a significant DTO out of business and its
leaders in federal prison. This organization was responsible for importing
significant amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack into the United
States with devastating effect on communities. We are grateful to the
agencies - the OCDETF Strike Force, ICE, and the Phoenix Police Department -
whose intense and collaborative investigation led to these arrests and
prosecutions."

Between Aug. 15, 2008, and Aug. 21, 2008, the Drug Enforcement Administration
conducted a Title III wiretap investigation into the Quintero-Soto Drug
Trafficking Organization, a major Mexican-based, family-run drug organization.
The Quintero-Soto DTO imported methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine
from Mexico into the United States, specifically to Phoenix, and then
distributed the illegal drugs to destinations throughout the United States.
The Quintero-Soto DTO also engaged in money laundering and bulk cash smuggling
by transporting drug proceeds in U.S. currency back to Mexico utilizing secret
compartments in vehicles to hide the money. During this investigation, agents
seized 35.3 kilograms of cocaine, just over 17 pounds of methamphetamine that
was between 83 and 98 percent pure, approximately 1.7 pounds of crack cocaine,
$199,297 in U.S. currency, and a 2001 Dodge Caravan.

"This sentencing closes the door on a ruthless Mexican drug cartel that used
Phoenix as a transshipment point for their drug trafficking operations," said
DEA Special Agent in Charge Elizabeth Kempshall. "This organization
controlled a pipeline of illicit drugs that threatened our communities and the
welfare of our children." This multi-agency Strike Force is a proven law
enforcement tool for combating organizations that have chosen to use Arizona
as a venue for their illegal drug trade."

"Partnerships continue to be critical in the investigation of drug trafficking
organizations and the crimes associated with them. I will continue to be
committed to these types of investigations," stated Phoenix Public Safety
Manager Jack Harris. "I am proud of the work done by the task force that led
to these convictions."

Four others members of the Quintero-Soto DTO were also sentenced:

Manuel Quintero-Soto, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico, (brother of Aaron Quintero-Soto)
was also sentenced on Oct. 29 by U.S. District Judge Earl H. Carroll to 70
months in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
The court also ordered the defendant to forfeit all interest in $199,297 and a
2001 Dodge Caravan seized as part of the investigation. On June 4, 2009,
Manuel Quintero-Soto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to
distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base (crack cocaine).

Macario Lechuga-Astorga, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced Sept. 25 by
U.S. District Judge Earl H. Carroll to 96 months in the Bureau of Prison to be
followed by five years of supervised release. The court also ordered the
defendant to forfeit all interest in $199,297 and a 2001 Dodge Caravan seized
as part of the investigation. On July 15, 2009, Macario Lechuga-Astorga
pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute
methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base (crack cocaine).

Maria Guadalupe Candelario-Juarez, 45, of Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced on
Aug. 12 by U.S. District Judge Earl H. Carroll to 37 months in the Bureau of
Prison to be followed by thee years of supervised release. The court also
ordered the defendant to forfeit all interest in $199,297 and a 2001 Dodge
Caravan seized as part of the investigation. On May 20, 2009, Maria Guadalupe
Candelario-Juarez pleaded guilty to laundering of monetary instruments.

Maria Silvia Candelario-Juarez, 36, of Sonora, Mexico (sister of Maria
Guadalupe Candelario-Juarez), was sentenced on Aug. 12 by U.S. District Judge
Earl H. Carroll to time served (358 days) to be followed by two years of
supervised release. The court also ordered the defendant to forfeit all
interest in $199,297 and a 2001 Dodge Caravan seized as part of the
investigation. On May 20, 2009, Maria Silvia Candelario-Juarez pleaded guilty
to use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission
of felonies under the Controlled Substances Act.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement
Administration OCDETF Strike Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,
and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Jonell L.
Lucca, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

Wyn Hornbuckle of the Office of United States Attorney Dennis K. Burke,
District of Arizona, +1-602-514-7573