A Corpus Christi man pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiracy with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and conspiracy to launder money.
According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, 46-year-old Jesus Gutierrez was part of a significant, long-term heroin distribution ring operating in Robstown.
Gutierrez was the final member of 10-defendants being tried in the case.
Patrick says evidence showed that on Oct. 4, 2017, authorities seized approximately a kilogram of heroin and almost $100,000 during the arrests related to this investigation.
According to Patrick, the evidence presented demonstrated that Gutierrez and his nephew, Enrique Gutierrez Jr., regularly obtained kilogram quantities of heroin during the conspiracy which was then distributed to the case’s other defendants.
The overall scope of the conspiracy was estimated to be between 10-30 kilograms of heroin, Patrick said.
The conspiracy operated between April 2016 and October 2017, according to the evidence presented to the court.
Previously, Gutierrez Jr., 31, of Sandia, Louie Molina, 36, of Robstown, Arturo Garcia, 55, of Mathis, Michael Flores, 36, of Robstown, and Jesus Leal Jr., 34, of Robstown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.
Gutierrez Jr. also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder drug money as did Renee Gutierrez, 37, of Corpus Christi. Tim Molina, 34, of Robstown, Sakhone Chanhrattana, 35, of Jarrell, and Javier Ramirez, 52, of Alice, entered their pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Sentencing for Gutierrez has been set for Aug. 8. He faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for the conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years for the money laundering.
