This week, the final defendant in a federal drug and firearms conspiracy was sentenced. The conspiracy spanned over a year and involved significant offenses. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Quincy R. Barnett of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Court documents reveal that Irlan Salazar, 41, of Cuba, received a sentence on April 15, 2025. His sentence is three years and one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for misprision of a felony and obstructing justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant.
Cesar Valdes, 33, also of Cuba, was earlier sentenced on March 26, 2025, to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was charged with several offenses, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and firearm possession in furtherance of drug trafficking. Valdes had previously been convicted of felony offenses in Jefferson Circuit Court, including attempted robbery and enhanced trafficking in controlled substances.
Jorge Morales Martinez, 45, of Mexico, faced sentencing on February 4, 2025. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for similar drug conspiracy charges and fentanyl distribution.
Victor Hernandez, 37, of Louisville, was sentenced on September 13, 2024. He received four years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in drug distribution.
The federal sentencing system does not allow parole. The FBI and Louisville Metro Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl, supported by paralegal Carissa Moss, prosecuted the case.
The sentencing occurred under Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and addressing violent crime. It integrates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.