United States of America v. Fortunato Beltran

Wilmington, North Carolina, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl and selling both.

Fortunato Beltran, 45, was accused of operating a drug trafficking organization that ship tens pounds and hundreds pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine to Eastern North Carolina. Inmate Beltran orchestrated bulk shipments of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California and Mexico into Eastern North Carolina for distribution. Agents with the ATF and DEA purchased over $100,000 of drugs from Inmate Beltran’s organization, totaling 35 pounds of methamphetamine and almost seven pounds of fentanyl.

“Drug trafficking creates a cycle of violence in our communities that too often includes illegal firearm use and possession,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Coordinated efforts among our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners help break up these drug trafficking networks, stop violent gun crimes, and make our neighborhoods safer.”

W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. ATF and DEA investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley J. Avera and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alison N. Lester prosecuted the case.

The Defendant was found guilty by a jury. He was sentenced to 31 years in federal prison.