PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) – Secundino Favela, an illegal alien living in Bapchule, Ariz. on the Gila River Indian Reservation , pleaded guilty today in federal district court in Phoenix to Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Approximately four pounds of methamphetamine were found by law enforcement officials in April 2008 after a search was conducted at his residence.
In February and April 2008 several purchases of methamphetamine were monitored by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and provided the basis for a search warrant. On April 28, 2008 a federal search warrant was executed and the search of the residence yielded, among other things, multiple assault rifles, handguns and $76,523 in U.S. currency. A search of a car on the property yielded approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.
Sentencing is set before Judge Roslyn O. Silver on November 17, 2008. A conviction for Conspiracy With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, to a maximum penalty of life, in prison, a $4,000,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Silver will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Gila River Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Howard D. Sukenic, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-08-0436-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-221(Favela)
