A Laredo drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following a guilty plea for the possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. 46-year-old Daniel Rodriguez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo after his April 2 plea, marking a substantial incarceration period for his role in the drug trade, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In her decision on the case, Judge Marmolejo pointed out Rodriguez's continuous involvement in selling drugs, despite multiple chances to quit. In a statement obtained by the Department of Justice, the judge condemned Rodriguez's actions, stating he "sold poison to people" and questioned him directly during the sentencing. She asked if he would sell the drugs to his family or if he would cease his activities if one of his children were to overdose. Rodriguez, also a father, will also be subject to five years of supervised release following his prison term.
The case against Rodriguez gained momentum on January 3, when authorities carried out a search warrant at his residence. Rodriguez attempted to flee, discarding a bag containing meth in the process. Despite his efforts, he was detained, and further search of his home uncovered additional amounts of the substance. Rodriguez later admitted ownership of the meth found during the search.
The investigation leading to Rodriguez's arrest and subsequent sentencing was a collaborative effort. Agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Laredo Police Department were involved. According to the Department of Justice's announcement, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew, and Leslie Cortez prosecuted the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). This program targets high-level criminal organizations that pose threats to public safety and national security with an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Rodriguez is currently in custody, awaiting transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility. The exact location has not been disclosed.
