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10 arrested in heroin ring
STAFF REPORTS
Ten area residents were arrested Tuesday in connection with a federal drug trafficking case.
A federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment Dec. 14, 2011, charging 16 individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. The indictment resulted from an undercover investigation of a heroin conspiracy involving the McKinney residents, a Dallas resident and a Van Alstyne resident.
The McKinney Police Department (MPD) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in July 2011 began a joint investigation into drug trafficking in the area. Through the investigation, police alleged that the following McKinney residents were involved in the case: Ernest Michael Diaz, 19; Teresa Rodriguez, 26; Santiago Adri Sepulveda, 20; Joe Diaz, 27; Ricardo Julio Castillo Jr., 20; Michael Angel Padron, 18; Oscar K. Montoyo-Castillo, 21; and Steven William Taylor, 20.
Per the indictment, a task force of 55 local, state and federal law enforcement officers conducted a roundup of the individuals Tuesday. The defendants went before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amos Mazzant for initial appearances Wednesday.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 40 years in federal prison. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any property used to commit or facilitate the crimes, and of any property derived from proceeds of the conspiracy.
Included in the investigation and arrests of the case were the MPD, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Collin County Sheriff's Office, Greenville Police Department, Hunt County Attorney's Office, Hunt County Constable Pct. 1, Texas DPS and U.S. Marshals. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ernest Gonzalez will prosecute the case.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
mtntexas wrote on Jan 22, 2012 10:49 PM:
" Sounds like most of them only came here to do the work that Americans don't want or won't do. Probably just confused heroin traffic with lettuce picking. Sixteen times $75K per year for incarceration, food and medical care? Maybe we should look at importing our fruit and vegetables. "
MLGIBBS wrote on Jan 25, 2012 7:48 AM:
" Do you illegal drug users and sellers ever consider that your nasty habits make you a partner in the killing of U.S. border guards and ATF officials, murder, theft, corruption, the destruction of families, disease and human misery? And heroin is the Devil's Weapon of Mass Destruction. If Americans didn't buy the stuff, there would be no drug business. You are a partner in murder. Think about it. "
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