Juan Carlos Espinoza Lopez, 49, of Mexico, was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison on charges related to narcotics, firearms, and immigration. Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced Espinoza Lopez to 151 months of imprisonment, with an additional five years of supervised release. The charges included possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and illegal reentry. Espinoza Lopez pleaded guilty to these charges on December 17, 2024.
In his plea agreement, Espinoza Lopez admitted to being a native and citizen of Mexico who had been removed from the United States on four occasions, most recently in 2022. He returned to the United States and was apprehended in Ocean View, Hawaii, in April 2024. At the time, he was found with 176 grams of methamphetamine, 184 grams of heroin, and a Colt AR-15 rifle loaded with twenty-seven rounds.
Judge Watson noted the severity of Espinoza Lopez's offenses, particularly his drug distribution activities that negatively impacted the community, his possession of a loaded firearm, and his unauthorized presence in the country. Judge Watson remarked on Espinoza Lopez's prior felony convictions, stating that these factors made it “difficult” to accept his remorse.
“This prosecution and today’s lengthy sentence deliver the clear message that when you come to Hawaii as an illegal alien for the purpose of brazenly and repeatedly violating our nation’s laws, you will be federally prosecuted and sentenced to a long period of imprisonment,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will not tolerate those who exploit our borders, endanger our citizens, and profit from the addiction, misery, and violence that accompany the trafficking of drugs in our communities.”
The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hawaii Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching.