A Honduran national, who was reportedly in the United States unlawfully under the alias “Hector Ojeda Manuel Aponte,” has been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for methamphetamine distribution. The announcement came from Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott.
Court records reveal that Aponte distributed around 40 pounds of methamphetamine every one to two weeks, along with fentanyl pills and bath salts. He utilized multiple vehicles, stash houses, and business fronts to manage his drug operations and launder proceeds. Sources identified Aponte as the "number one guy" for the Sinaloa Cartel in Idaho, boasting a well-organized supply chain and network of accomplices.
This sentencing concludes an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford previously sentenced several accomplices: Ernesto Diaz Gaspar (30 months), Wilkin Rolando Martinez Munguia (36 months), Cevin Alfonzo Martinez (42 months), and Jesus DeJesus Loera (70 months). Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Lawrence Barnes to 160 months in prison. While Barnes and Loera are U.S. citizens, other defendants were unlawfully present aliens.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott emphasized the commitment of the United States Department of Justice to combat Mexican drug cartels' influence in Idaho: “Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold them accountable for bringing poisonous drugs into our state.”
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Seattle Field Division, remarked on the connection between illegal immigration and drug trafficking: “Illegal immigration and drug trafficking are interconnected threats because Foreign Terrorist Organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel routinely employ people like this defendant to further their drug enterprises.” Reames expressed satisfaction over holding Aponte accountable for his crimes targeting the community.
The successful prosecution was attributed to efforts by the DEA and Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse handling the case.