A former correctional officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Fidel Andrade, has admitted to his role in a cocaine distribution scheme in Stockton. In a report from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Andrade, 36, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to the official court documents, Andrade was implicated in this operation from January to October 2020, during which he provided cocaine to Neftali Castillo Montes, who has also pleaded guilty. Over 9 ounces of the substance were sold to an FBI confidential source. A search warrant executed on March 3, 2021, led to the discovery of an ounce of cocaine at Andrade's residence, with the find revealing the extent of the operation's reach.
The press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office indicates that Andrade's sentencing is earmarked for January 14, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. His co-defendant Montes entered his guilty plea earlier on July 15, 2024, and is slated for sentencing on January 28, 2025. They both could face up to 20 years in prison for their roles in this drug conspiracy, though sentencing will vary based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The conviction resulted from a joint investigation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, involving multiple agencies such as the California Department of Corrections, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, and Tracy Police Department. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella, this case targets major public safety threats. Additionally, Montes faces separate charges related to a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, indicating further involvement in drug trade activities.
OCDETF seeks to dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that pose a threat to national security and public safety in the United States. For more information about their efforts in combating drug enforcement, the public is advised to visit the Justice Department's OCDETF page.
