Three Charged in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine, Distribution of Cocaine, and Firearms Charges

BATON ROUGE, LA—United States Attorney David R. Dugas announced today that U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Riedlinger signed a criminal complaint today against MELESIO NOYOLA, age 20, a resident of Lufkin, Texas, CHRISTOPHER ROBLES, age 21, also a resident of Lufkin, Texas, and JONATHAN BELTRAN, age 19, a resident of Eagle Pass, Texas. The complaint charges all three defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 846; distribution of five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2. NOYOLA, ROBLES, AND BELTRAN made an initial appearance today at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Riedlinger.

If convicted of these charges the defendants each face a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than life, a maximum fine of $4 million, or both.

These charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Capital Area Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the Denham Springs Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Also assisting in the investigation were the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

NOTE: A complaint is merely an accusation by a law enforcement official, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial.