NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RAYMOND ZEPEDA age 48, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on June 29, 2021 before the Honorable Jay C. Zainey to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, ZEPEDA conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. ZEPEDA admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2021. ZEPEDA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least ten years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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