Juan Carlos Barrera-Cortez, also known as 'Rafael,' was sentenced Wednesday to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. He is the second man to plead guilty in the conspiracy, following Jesus Lomeli-Lopez, who was previously sentenced to five years in prison for the same charge.
Between August 2024 and October 3, 2024, Barrera-Cortez and two other men conspired to sell methamphetamine and heroin in Las Vegas. Court documents show he distributed about 3.4 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly 9 grams of heroin during that period. Prosecutors said Lomeli-Lopez took drug orders by phone and met with buyers alongside Barrera-Cortez, while Eduardo Perez is accused of providing the drugs and is awaiting trial.
The DEA investigated the case, with Special Agent in Charge David S. Olesky stating that methamphetamine and heroin remain highly destructive threats to community health and safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah emphasized the office’s commitment to removing dangerous drug traffickers and holding them accountable under federal law.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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