Brissa Ortiz, a 19-year-old Texas resident, has been handed a 21-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry on charges of Misprision of a Felony. Ortiz concealed her brother's involvement in drug trafficking and failed to inform law enforcement, leading to her conviction. The sentencing, which took place yesterday, also includes a one-year term of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as detailed on the U.S. Attorney's Office’s website.
According to court documents, Ortiz was aware that her brother conspired to distribute cocaine across the country. She was traveling through Louisiana with him when they were stopped by the state police for a traffic violation. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately ten kilograms of cocaine hidden in the secret compartments of the vehicle. This information has been provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana.
The investigation into Ortiz’s case was conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit is prosecuting this matter.
In her plea, Ortiz admitted to being aware of her brother's criminal activities but choosing not to report him, ultimately implicating herself in the narcotics operation. Information related to Ortiz’s plea and subsequent sentencing has been outlined in a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
