Adan Ontivero Jr. Receives 15-Year Sentence for $33 Million Marijuana Trafficking

Adan Ontivero Jr

Roma Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Marijuana Trafficking Case

A Roma, Texas man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking $33 million worth of marijuana. Adan Ontivero Jr., who admitted guilt back in April, faced charges related to intent to distribute large quantities of marijuana. His sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that involved the discovery of a major drug operation in Roma.

Ontivero was apprehended after attempting to flee from a drug house in Roma, where authorities discovered substantial quantities of marijuana. He was found trying to escape through an attic vent, but law enforcement officials were able to apprehend him before he could get away.

Drug House Raid Leads to Major Arrest

Authorities first encountered Ontivero during a raid on the Roma drug house where he was hiding. When officers arrived, they discovered a sophisticated operation designed to distribute marijuana across a wide region. Ontivero attempted to escape by crawling through an attic vent, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

The total value of the marijuana found at the location was estimated to be $33 million, an amount that represents a significant portion of the local drug trade. Ontivero’s arrest, along with the seizure of the drugs, is considered a major victory in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

In April, Ontivero pleaded guilty to the charge of intent to distribute marijuana, admitting to his role in the trafficking operation. His guilty plea allowed the court to proceed with sentencing, which was finalized this week. He has now been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, reflecting the severity of the crime and the scope of the drug operation.

Following his time in prison, Ontivero will face an additional 10 years of supervised release, during which he will be monitored by authorities to prevent any further involvement in criminal activity. The supervised release is a standard condition for drug trafficking sentences of this magnitude.

A Blow to Local Drug Trafficking

Ontivero’s sentencing is seen as a significant step in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Starr County and surrounding areas. The $33 million marijuana bust is one of the largest in recent memory for the region, and authorities are hopeful that the conviction will serve as a deterrent for others involved in similar activities.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has praised the efforts of the local law enforcement agencies who worked together to bring Ontivero to justice. They credit their quick action during the raid with helping to prevent the drugs from being distributed further into the community.

Justice Served

Adan Ontivero Jr.’s 15-year prison sentence sends a strong message to those involved in drug trafficking. The substantial quantity of marijuana seized and the length of the sentence reflect the gravity of the crime. With Ontivero now behind bars and 10 years of supervised release to follow, the streets of Roma and the surrounding areas are one step closer to being free from the grip of major drug operations.