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Press Release

Burr Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Money Laundering in La Raza Street Gang Case

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Utah
Plea agreement includes stipulated 96-month sentence

SALT LAKE CITY – Wayne LeRoy Burr aka Miclo, age 32, of Salt Lake County, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and money laundering in federal court Tuesday as a part of an investigation of drug trafficking activities involving La Raza, a local street gang.  The investigation, which was initiated by the Salt Lake City Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, focused on an auto shop that was believed to be utilized as a stash house where illegal narcotics were received, packaged, and later distributed.

Burr admitted that between May 1, 2013, and June 27, 2013, he conspired with other individuals to violate federal drug laws by illegally distributing heroin.  He also admitted that he purchased a Dodge Ram 1500 on Feb. 12, 2013.  The purchase of the vehicle involved more than $10,000 obtained through the illegal trafficking of narcotics, Burr admitted.

The plea agreement reached with federal prosecutors includes a stipulated sentence of 96 months, which is subject to the approval of the Court at an upcoming sentencing hearing. Burr also has agreed to forfeit $1,248 in cash, three vehicles, and a 19-inch stainless steel knife as proceeds of illegal conduct or property used to help facilitate the illegal conduct.

Burr was one of 13 individuals charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, and money laundering in a 31-count indictment returned in March 2014. In addition to the FBI and the Salt Lake City Police Department, special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation also joined the investigation.

Samuel Covarrubias-Velazquez, age 38, of Salt Lake County, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute heroin.  Javier Corrales, age 36, of Salt Lake County, is serving a 60- month sentence after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. David Miramontes, age 30, of Salt Lake County, is serving a 72-month sentence for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and money laundering convictions. Carlos Tenengueno, age 26, of Salt Lake County, and Jose Munoz, age 28, of Salt Lake County, were each sentenced to 60 months in prison for distribution of heroin.   Guillermo Miramontes, age 24, of Salt Lake County, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, was sentenced to 36 months of probation and William Reveles, age 36, of Salt Lake County, who also pleaded guilty to money laundering, was sentenced to time served and 36 months of supervised release. Anthony Pedroza, age 28, of Salt Lake County, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Sentencing in his case is set for June 27, 2016.  Sentencing is set for May 19, 2016, for Juan Reveles, age 37, of Sevier County, who pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Alejandro Arciniega-Zetin, age 26, of Salt Lake County, was convicted of distribution of heroin following a three-day trial in March. Sentencing in his case is set for June 28, 2015.  Prosecutors dismissed money laundering charges against two defendants in the case.

Updated April 14, 2016

Topic
Drug Trafficking
Component