“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
A leader in an Oklahoma-based cell of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
The U.S Attorney’s Office said on Nov. 17, U.S. District Court Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced 35-year-old Alberto Gallegos, a Mexican national inside the U.S. illegally, to 40 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
In support of the sentence, Friot cited, among other things, Gallegos’ role as a leader and organizer of an Oklahoma-based cell of the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office.
During the sentencing hearing, the U.S. introduced evidence that showed Gallegos supervised the drug trafficking activities of at least five others, the U.S Attorney’s Office said.
It was also shown that Gallegos threatened and intimidated others while encouraging them to continue trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine for the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office.
The U.S. also presented testimony that Gallegos maintained business relationships with cartel money launderers and with Mexico-based bosses of the Sinaloa Cartel, the U.S Attorney’s Office said.
During the sentencing, Friot noted the large quantity of drugs trafficked by Gallegos and his underling and commended the work of the Oklahoma City Police Department and the FBI, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office.
The U.S Attorney’s Office said on Oct. 19 2022, an indictment was returned against Gallegos, charging him with drug conspiracy, possession of both methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and maintaining a drug involved premises.
The indictment was also returned against 37-year-old Sergio Tapia Arano, 27-year-old David Mesa Perez and 26-year-old Jose Estrada Contreras, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office.
The U.S Attorney’s Office said Gallegos was arrested on Nov. 9, 2022 and has been in federal custody since. He pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 8, 2023.
