Alma Garza, a resident of Fresno, has been sentenced to six years and eight months in prison. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston for conspiracies to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This announcement came from Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
In September 2024, Garza was found guilty by a federal jury after a four-day trial. Evidence showed her as a key assistant to Horacio Torrecillas Urias Jr., who styled himself as the M30 King of Fresno. Between November 2021 and March 2022, Garza and others conspired with Torrecillas Urias to receive counterfeit fentanyl pills and significant amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico. The case involved distributing these drugs both within and outside California. Specifically, on January 27, 2022, Garza mailed cocaine and methamphetamine to an accomplice in New Mexico, a package later intercepted by authorities. Additionally, on February 9, 2022, she accompanied Torrecillas Urias to deliver pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine in Sanger, which were seized shortly after. The trial also revealed that Garza transferred significant cash amounts to Mexican suppliers, aiding the trafficking conspiracy.
The investigation led to charges against Garza, Torrecillas Urias, and 17 others on drug-related offenses, culminating in sentencing for all involved.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, Homeland Security Investigations, and others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca were responsible for prosecution.
This case is a part of the broader Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), aiming to curb synthetic opioid distribution in vulnerable areas. Launched by the Justice Department in July 2018, S.O.S. operates within the Eastern District of California and nine other districts. It is aligned with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) mission, which targets major criminal organizations endangering the U.S. More information on OCDETF can be accessed at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.