HIDTA Task Force Investigation Results in Federal Prison Sentences for 11 High-Level Drug Dealers

Marcelo Garcia, 27, of Atlanta, and ten of his co-conspirators have been sentenced in federal court for running a massive methamphetamine distribution ring in the metro Atlanta area. Garcia was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. He and his drug organization distributed hundreds of pounds of extremely pure methamphetamine, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, in the metro Atlanta area. Garcia was the key target of a joint federal-local investigation coordinated by the Atlanta High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The case brought together the Atlanta Police Department and investigators from several federal agencies, including FBI, ICE and ATF.

"This outcome, the long-term incarceration of a major-league drug dealer, shows the powerful benefits of law enforcement coordination," said U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias of the Northern District of Georgia. "By getting the Garcia organization and its drugs off our streets, federal and local agents have done our community a great service. This investigation resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of more than a dozen high-level drug dealers, led by Marcelo Garcia."

U.S. District Court Judge Richard W. Story sentenced Garcia to 25 years in federal prison. Garcia and several of his co- defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of their sentences. Co-conspirators Ty Beach, Hugo Cruz, Luis Gomez, Carla Gonzales, Matt Hemby, Michelle Krajewski, Jason Mietelski, Zujey Ramirez, Jorge Rivero and Cheryl Sumner have also been sentenced to terms ranging from four to 14 years in federal prison. Two additional defendants, Jesus Gomez and Fidel Presmanes, will be sentenced in mid-August by Judge Story. The case was indicted in March 2005 and all of the defendants pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by agents from HIDTA, the Atlanta Police Department, FBI, ICE and ATF.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C.I. McBurney and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lovell prosecuted the case.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

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