Phoenix Drug Trafficking Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

PHOENIX—On December 16, 2013, Ralph C. Moreno, 53, of Phoenix, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 300 months (25 years) in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and a $3,000 fine. Judge Silver further ordered forfeiture of Moreno’s interest in a Stoeger .40 caliber handgun, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and $75,366 in U.S. currency. Moreno was found guilty by a federal jury on September 18, 2013, of three felonies—conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

At trial, it was proven that Moreno sold methamphetamine at his Phoenix residence to persons who ultimately intended it to reach associates of the Arizona Mexican Mafia, a prison-based gang. After a search warrant was obtained for Moreno’s residence, law enforcement found the two firearms listed above and drug proceeds amounting to $75,366 in cash. At the time he committed the offenses, Moreno had two prior state felony convictions for drug trafficking.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Arizona Department of Public Safety; and the Arizona Department of Corrections. The prosecution was handled by Michael Lee and Brian Larson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.