McALLEN, Texas – A 47-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Donna has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery
Jose Alejandro Ramirez pleaded guilty Nov. 13, 2020.
Today, U.S. District Judge J Ricardo Hinojosa ordered Ramirez to serve 130 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Ramirez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the Ramirez played an important role in attempting to distribute the meth in this case.
On Feb. 13, 2020, an undercover federal agent met with Ramirez to negotiate the purchase of meth. At that time, Ramirez provided a sample.
During the exchange, Ramirez bragged about his previous narcotics transporting activities throughout the Rio Grande Valley area. He also talked about his experience in trafficking humans and firearms.
The undercover agent agreed to purchase five kilograms of meth from Ramirez. While enroute to the location for the transaction, authorities intercepted Ramirez’s vehicle and located approximately five kilograms of meth in a backpack within the vehicle.
Ramirez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Colton Turner prosecuted the case.