Arizona inmate sentenced to additional 25 years for organizing drug deals while in prison
PHOENIX – A Mexican man was sentenced Tuesday to an additional 300 months in prison for organizing and overseeing the distribution of methamphetamine in the Phoenix area while incarcerated in state prison.
Luis Alfonso Felix-Hernandez, 28, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake. Felix-Hernandez was convicted last year of four criminal counts related to drug trafficking, including conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine and organizing and overseeing the distribution of methamphetamine.
The charges against Felix-Hernandez are the result of a probe by Phoenix-based special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), aided by investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mesa Police Department.
“Criminals who continue to engage in drug trafficking with no regard for our nation’s laws will be brought to justice,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “The 25-year sentence is fitting given the serious crimes committed by the defendant while in prison. HSI will continue to work closely with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat the serious public safety threat drugs pose to our communities.”
Evidence at trial showed that, from May 13, 2015, to July 28, 2015, Felix-Hernandez organized the sale of multiple pounds of methamphetamine to Phoenix-area buyers using a contraband cell phone he obtained while in prison. The probe revealed that Felix-Hernandez, who was already serving a five-year prison term for another drug-trafficking conviction, used the cell phone to negotiate with customers, organize the supply of methamphetamine, and facilitate the delivery of the contraband. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized almost 13 pounds of methamphetamine from transactions organized by the defendant. The 300-month sentence will run consecutive to Felix-Hernandez’s previously imposed prison term.
“This significant and lengthy sentence serves as a reminder that the United States will not tolerate the actions of anyone who would pollute our communities with illegal drugs and especially repeat offenders,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “I would also like to thank our federal and local law enforcement partners for their great work on this investigation.”
“This investigation demonstrates not only the extraordinary lengths drug traffickers will go through to maintain their operations, but also the dedication of DEA agents who, collaborating with law enforcement partners, are equally relentless in the pursuit of justice,” said Doug Coleman, DEA special agent in charge in Arizona.
“This is a great example of how high level drug activity has a significant impact in our local communities,” said Interim Mesa Police Chief Michael Dvorak. “Establishing strong working partnerships with federal law enforcement agencies reinforces that any criminal activity occurring will be disassembled at every level.”
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd M. Allison and Glenn B. McCormick.
Updated: