A Mexican national has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that operated throughout Minnesota and the surrounding areas. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
Charly Cruz-Jimenez, aged 40, had previously been deported from the United States to Mexico in 2018 after serving a sentence for a controlled substance violation. Despite his deportation, he orchestrated a drug trafficking operation from Matamoros, Mexico, beginning in October 2021. He used electronic messaging applications to coordinate with customers in the United States and employed a network of "runners" to manage drug storage and delivery.
The investigation into Cruz-Jimenez began following the arrest of one of his customers, Nicholas Horak. Authorities discovered that Cruz-Jimenez had sold approximately 32-34 pounds of methamphetamine to Horak over several months. Using information obtained from Horak's phone, an undercover officer established contact with Cruz-Jimenez and engaged in multiple drug transactions.
During communications with the undercover officer, Cruz-Jimenez admitted affiliation with the Sureños prison gang and the Gulf Cartel (Cartel del Golfo or CDG). He shared photographs depicting conflict with a rival cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), including an image of himself armed beside a captured rival member.
In August 2023, Cruz-Jimenez reentered the United States illegally via Texas and continued discussions about drug deals. His return led to his arrest on current charges after being charged and pleading guilty to illegal reentry in Texas.
Cruz-Jimenez was sentenced by Judge Eric C. Tostrud on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The case involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and several local police departments across Minnesota.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan H. Nelson and Bradley M. Endicott are leading the prosecution efforts.