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Date: 07-21-2021
Case Style:
Case Number: 5:20-cr-01537
Judge: Marina Garcia Marmolejo
Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Webb County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office
Defendant's Attorney:
Description: Laredo, Texas criminal defense lawyers represented Defendant charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
A Laredo federal jury has convicted, Baldemar Guadiana, a 35-year-old legal permanent resident for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before convicting Baldemar Guadiana following a two-day trial which included four witnesses.
At trial, the jury heard about the investigation which resulted in the discovery of approximately 3.68 kilograms of cocaine.
On Jan. 31, 2018, an undercover officer received eight bundles of narcotics at a local grocery store parking lot. Later that day, Guadiana contacted the officer and made arrangements to meet and take possession of the cocaine. Once at the pre-arranged location, Guadiana parked behind the officer. He then took the drugs and attempted to leave.
Law enforcement soon stopped him and took him into custody. authorities ultimately discovered a total of nearly four kilograms of cocaine in the eight bundles.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Guadiana had no knowledge the bundles in his truck contained narcotics. They also contended law enforcement did not perform an adequate and thorough enough investigation to convict him. The jury disagreed and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and set sentencing for Oct. 25. At that time, Guadiana faces up to 40 years of imprisonment and a possible $5 million maximum fine. Not a U.S. citizen, he could lose his status as a legal permanent resident.
Previously released on bond, Guadiana was taken into custody following the trial today where he will remain pending his sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Angel Moreno and Yoona Lim are prosecuting the case.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. PENALTY: 5 to 40 years imprisonment, not more than a $5,000,000 fine, $100 special assessment, at least 4 years up to a life term of supervised release.
(1)
Possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. PENALTY:5 to 40 years imprisonment, not more than a $5,000,000 fine, $100 special assessment, at least 4 years up to a life term of supervised release.
(2)
Outcome: 07/20/2021 65 RETURN of Subpoena Executed on 7/14/2021 to Francisco Estrada as to Baldemar Guadiana, filed. (TanyaTrevino, 5) (Entered: 07/20/2021)
07/20/2021 67 ORDER to provide meal to jury on July 20, 2021 as to Baldemar Guadiana (Signed by Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo) Parties notified. (mmarquez, 5) (Entered: 07/20/2021)
Jury convicted Laredo man on cocaine charges.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: